Researchers in the UK have discovered a rare new blood group system called MAL, which is detailed in a paper published in the journal Blood. In collaboration with the University of Bristol, the research points to identifying a rare antigen called AnWj, which could affect compatibility in blood transfusions.
The most well-known blood groups, such as ABO and Rh, were identified in the early 20th century. However, many other blood group systems are based on the variety of proteins and sugars on the surface of blood cells. The existence of the AnWj antigen was first observed in 1972 when a blood count of a pregnant woman revealed that her blood did not contain this molecule, which is present in almost all red blood cells.
The most recent discovery explains that around 99.9% of the population has the AnWj antigen, which is linked to a protein called MAL. Those who are AnWj-negative, rare in the population, do not have this protein due to homozygous deletions in the MAL gene, which can occur due to genetic factors or diseases such as cancer.
Researchers have developed a pioneering genetic test to identify AnWj-negative individuals, which could be crucial in avoiding adverse reactions during blood transfusions. This is especially important because incompatible transfusions can lead to severe reactions and health complications.
Nicole Thornton, head of the UK National Health Service laboratory, believes the discovery opens up new possibilities for improving blood compatibility testing, enabling more accurate identification of AnWj-negative patients and donors.
This research not only solves a mystery that has existed for over 50 years but also represents a significant advance in our understanding of blood systems. It reinforces the importance of accurate diagnostics to ensure safe blood transfusions and medical treatments.
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