The loss of two newborn babies led to the discovery of a rare group of blood groups that was first observed in humans 40 years ago, according to a study published by the website “”Notice of sense“.
After uncovering the “relatively new molecular blood group identity,” known as the Er system, this new study could prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“This work shows that even after all the research done to date, simple red blood cells can still surprise us,” says Ash Toy, a biological cell scientist at the University of Bristol.
Blood classification showed the presence and absence of protein and sugar clusters lining the surface of red blood cells. Although they can serve different purposes, our bodies generally use cell surface antigens to fight disease.
The site points out that most people know ABO and rhesus blood groups (i.e. more or less) and knowing this is important in case of blood transfusions. But there are actually many different blood group systems that depend on a wide range of cell surface antigens and their variants.
Most of the major groups were recognized in the early 20th century, although a late competitor, named Er, appeared in 1982. Six years later, a version called Erb was identified. And the symbol Er3 was used to describe the absence of Era and Erb.
Although it has been clear for decades that these blood cell antigens are present, very little is known about their clinical effect.
When a blood cell appears with an antigen that our body has not classified as known, our immune system is activated, sending antibodies to fight the suspected antigen-carrying cells to destroy them. In some cases, an incompatibility between the blood group of the fetus and the blood group of the mother can cause problems if the mother’s immune system becomes sensitive to foreign antigens. The antibodies produced in response to this can pass through the placenta, leading to hemolytic disease in the fetus.
Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent or even treat hemolytic disease in newborns today, including injections for mothers-to-be and blood transfusions for babies.
