In a significant medical breakthrough, researchers from NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) and the University of Bristol have identified a new blood group system called MAL, solving a 50-year-old mystery surrounding the AnWj blood group antigen. This antigen, first discovered in 1972, has long puzzled scientists. Led by senior research scientist Louise Tilley, the team has now developed a genetic test that can identify patients missing the AnWj antigen, paving the way for improved care and safer blood transfusions for rare patients worldwide.
Tilley, who has spent 20 years working on this project, shared her excitement with the BBC, noting, “It’s challenging to quantify the exact number of people who will benefit from this test. However, NHSBT is the last resort for around 400 patients each year worldwide.”
Key Findings of the Research:
- AnWj Antigen: The genetic background of the AnWj antigen has been identified, allowing for better understanding and treatment of rare patients lacking this blood group.
- MAL Blood Group System: The discovery establishes MAL as the 47th blood group system, which includes the AnWj antigen.
- Genetic Cause: Homozygous deletions in the MAL gene were found to be associated with the inherited AnWj-negative phenotype.
- Transfusion Safety: New genotyping tests developed from this research will help detect AnWj-negative individuals, reducing complications during transfusions.
Blood group antigens are proteins found on the surface of red blood cells, and their absence can cause severe reactions during blood transfusions. Philip Brown, a laboratory technician and leukaemia survivor, expressed his appreciation for the discovery. “Having undergone multiple blood transfusions and a bone marrow transplant, I understand firsthand the critical need for safer blood matches,” Brown told the BBC.
Nicole Thornton, Head of NHSBT’s International Blood Group Reference Laboratory, emphasized the international significance of this discovery. “Unraveling the genetic basis of the AnWj antigen has been a major challenge. With this breakthrough, we can now design genotyping tests to identify patients and donors with this rare antigen,” Thornton said.
Sources By Agencies
