glycophorin /-fôr″in/ , one of a group of proteins (A-E) that project through the membrane of red blood cells (RBCs). The outside end of glycophorins A and B carries antigens of the MNS blood group. The sialic acid component of glycophorins contributes to the negative charge of the outer erythrocyte plasma membrane. Influenza virus can attach to sialic acid present on glycophorin A, B, C, D, and E and produce agglutination (does not enter RBCs). Malaria virus can attach to glycophorin A and C and infect RBCs. See also blood group.
