CD235a protein, also known as Glycophorin A, is a major intrinsic membrane protein of human red blood cells and erythroid precursor cells. It is a type I sialoglycoprotein with a molecular weight of around 10 kD, present in the cell membrane as a homodimer. This protein serves as a carrier for the MN blood group antigens. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and shape of the erythrocyte membrane by being a part of the ankyrin-1 complex. Additionally, CD235a acts as a receptor for several pathogens, including the influenza virus, Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte-binding antigen 175 (EBA-175), and hepatitis A virus.