Type I cells – red blood cells (RBCs) express GPI-APs (for example, CD59) at normal density
- RBCs express normal amounts of GPI-anchored proteins (GPI-AP), such as CD59
- Full protection against complement-mediated lysis
- Normal RBC lifespan of about 120 days
Type II cells – red cells partly deficient in GPI-APs;
- RBCs partly deficient in GPI-APs
- Partial protection against complement-mediated lysis
- Lifespan intermediate between type1 and type 3 cells
Type III cells – red cells completely deficient in GPI-APs.
- RBCs completely deficient in GPI-APs
- No protection against complement-mediated lysis
- RBC lifespan 10-15 days