New blood group discovered
Scientists from NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) and the University of Bristol have discovered a new blood group system named MAL. This discovery sheds light on a 50-year-old puzzle related to the AnWj blood group antigen, identified in 1972. The research team, led by senior scientist Louise Tilley, developed a genetic test to identify people lacking the AnWj antigen. This test aims to improve care for rare patients and help find compatible blood donors. Tilley, who has worked on this project for 20 years, told the BBC, “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.”
The discovery offers significant global benefits. NHSBT's International Blood Group Reference Laboratory in Filton supports other countries with blood-related research and has integrated the new test into current genotyping platforms.
Key findings from the research include:
- The identification of the genetic basis of the AnWj antigen, providing better understanding and treatment for patients without this blood group.
- The establishment of the MAL blood group system, making it the 47th recognized blood group system, which includes the AnWj antigen.
- The discovery of homozygous deletions in the MAL gene linked to the inherited AnWj-negative phenotype.
- The development of new genotyping tests to detect rare AnWj-negative individuals, reducing risks during blood transfusions.
Blood group antigens are proteins on red blood cells, and their absence can result in severe transfusion reactions. Philip Brown, a laboratory technician and leukemia survivor, emphasized the importance of this discovery. “Having undergone multiple blood transfusions and a bone marrow transplant, I understand firsthand the critical need for safer blood matches,” he told the BBC.
Nicole Thornton, Head of the Laboratory, highlighted the international relevance of this finding. “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,” she explained.
The breakthrough is set to enhance transfusion safety and patient care globally.
Video
Scientists from NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) and the University of Bristol have discovered a new blood group system named MAL. This discovery sheds light on a 50-year-old puzzle related to the AnWj blood group antigen, identified in 1972. The research team, led by senior scientist Louise Tilley, developed a genetic test to identify people lacking the AnWj antigen. This test aims to improve care for rare patients and help find compatible blood donors. Tilley, who has worked on this project for 20 years, told the BBC, “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.”
The discovery offers significant global benefits. NHSBT's International Blood Group Reference Laboratory in Filton supports other countries with blood-related research and has integrated the new test into current genotyping platforms.
Key findings from the research include:
- The identification of the genetic basis of the AnWj antigen, providing better understanding and treatment for patients without this blood group.
- The establishment of the MAL blood group system, making it the 47th recognized blood group system, which includes the AnWj antigen.
- The discovery of homozygous deletions in the MAL gene linked to the inherited AnWj-negative phenotype.
- The development of new genotyping tests to detect rare AnWj-negative individuals, reducing risks during blood transfusions.
Blood group antigens are proteins on red blood cells, and their absence can result in severe transfusion reactions. Philip Brown, a laboratory technician and leukemia survivor, emphasized the importance of this discovery. “Having undergone multiple blood transfusions and a bone marrow transplant, I understand firsthand the critical need for safer blood matches,” he told the BBC.
Nicole Thornton, Head of the Laboratory, highlighted the international relevance of this finding. “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,” she explained.
The breakthrough is set to enhance transfusion safety and patient care globally.
Video
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