Scientists have identified a new blood group. It is called “MAL” and is extremely rare. The discovery could now save many lives.
After 50 years of research, there was a decisive breakthrough: a new blood group was discovered that could help to select suitable donors more precisely and thus save lives. This groundbreaking discovery comes from a research team at the NHS Blood and Transplant am International Blood Group Reference Laboratory in Bristol. “It is a great achievement and the result of years of teamwork to finally identify this new blood group system,” said lead scientist Louise Tilley in a statement from the NHS .
According to the NHS, the genetic basis of the AnWj antigen was unknown until recently. Now scientists have identified the protein Mal as the carrier of this antigen. This new finding makes it easier to identify patients who need AnWj-negative blood and could help prevent complications during blood transfusions.
The two most common blood group systems are ABO and Rh, but blood is more complex and matching the other groups can be life-saving.
New blood group MAL identified
AnWj-negative people are extremely rare. Research shows that about 99.9 percent of people carry the AnWj antigen on their red blood cells. However, a small group of people, usually due to genetic factors, lack this antigen. This can be particularly problematic with blood transfusions, as a reaction to AnWj-positive blood can occur.
Professor Ash Toye from the University of Bristol emphasised the importance of the discovery: “It is really exciting that we were able to manipulate gene expression in developing blood cells to confirm the identity of the AnWj blood group. This development will help to identify rare donors and support patients in the future.”
Genetic tests enable targeted treatments
The discovery of the new blood group MAL also means that special genotyping tests can now be developed. These tests should help to identify patients and donors who are genetically AnWj negative more quickly. Nicole Thornton, Head of the Red Cell Reference Unit at NHSBT, explained: “Genotyping tests can now be developed to identify patients and donors who are genetically AnWj negative. These tests can be integrated into existing genotyping platforms.”
Another crucial point is that patients suffering from certain diseases, such as certain hematological diseases or Krebs can lose the antigen. In such cases, the new genotyping also helps to reduce the risk of transfusion reactions.
A genetic rarity
While diseases such as cancer can temporarily trigger AnWj negativity, there are also people who have this genetic peculiarity of birth an. The team analysed samples dating back to 1972. One of these samples came from a woman who was identified as the first AnWj-negative person. Dr Tim Satchwell from the University of the West of England in Bristol said: “MAL is a very small protein with interesting properties, which made it difficult to identify. We had to use several lines of investigation to provide the necessary evidence.”
A significant success in research was achieved through the method of whole-exome sequencing, which enabled scientists to sequence the genes responsible for the MAL protein. In rare cases such as these, a genetic mutation leading to AnWj negativity could be detected. This created the basis for more precise diagnostics and treatment of such patients.
Decades-old mystery solved
Louise Tilley, chief scientist at NHSBT, explained the significance of this breakthrough: “The genetic secret of the AnWj antigen has been an unsolved puzzle for over 50 years. I have spent nearly 20 years of my career trying to solve this problem. It is a tremendous achievement to establish this new blood grouping system and thereby enable optimal care for rare but important patients.”
By Anne Bajrica
