Bloodlines Cracked: Groundbreaking Discovery Unravels 50-Year Enigma of the Elusive New Blood Group
Breakthrough Discovery: Scientists Uncover New Blood Group System
Scientists at the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) have made a groundbreaking discovery, uncovering a new blood group system that could potentially save thousands of lives worldwide. This breakthrough solves a 50-year-old mystery that has puzzled medical professionals for decades.
A research team from NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) in South Gloucestershire, UK, has identified a blood group called ‘MAL’. They have successfully mapped the genetic background of the ‘AnWj’ blood group antigen, which was first discovered in 1972. This new test will enable medical professionals to better understand and treat patients with rare blood types.
Lewis Tilley, senior research scientist at NHSBT, believes that this discovery could lead to improved treatments for patients with rare blood types. Although it is difficult to estimate the exact number of people who will benefit from this breakthrough, NHS Blood and Transplant provides a lifeline for around 400 patients worldwide each year.
Human red blood cells have proteins on their surface, known as antigens. However, some individuals may be deficient in these proteins, which can lead to adverse reactions during blood transfusions. The NHSBT International Blood Group Reference Laboratory has developed a new genetic test that can identify patients with this antigen deficiency, making it easier to find compatible blood donors.
This innovative test has the potential to save lives by reducing the risk of adverse reactions during blood transfusions. Nicole Thornton, head of the lab, notes that “unraveling the genetic basis of AnWj is one of our most challenging projects.” The discovery of the MAL blood group system will enable the development of genotyping tests that can identify AnWj-negative patients and donors, ultimately benefiting rare patients worldwide.
BBC health reporter Matthew Hill highlights the significance of this breakthrough, stating that the NHSBT has not only developed this test but has also created opportunities for supplying antibodies for research purposes.