A breakthrough discovery of a new blood group system termed MAL by a team of scientists from the NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) and the University of Bristol, unravelling the mysterious 50-year-old mystery of the AnWj blood group antigen identified first in 1972.
New Blood Group System: Discovery of MAL Blood Group System
The research team, led by senior scientist Louise Tilley, designed a genetic test to identify patients lacking the AnWj antigen contained within this newly identified MAL Blood Group System. This finding promises to significantly improve the care of patients particularly those who are rare individuals lacking this antigen but require compatible blood donors. According to Tilley who dedicated 20 years for this project says, “It’s impossible to estimate how many patients will receive benefit but NHSBT helps nearly 400 patients yearly around the world.”
Consequences of MAL Blood Group System Identification
The MAL Blood Group System discovery is of worldwide importance. Now, the International Blood Group Reference Laboratory at Filton, NHSBT, will provide antibodies and develop a genotyping test to identify rare patients. This research is the basis for developing safer blood transfusion methods for patients with rare blood group antigens.
Important Research Findings of the MAL Blood Group System
Thus, the team revealed a genetic cause of the AnWj antigen thereby majorly improving treatment options for rare missed cases of this blood group.
MAL Blood Group System:
MAL is considered as the 47th Blood group system which solves the mystery of the long continuing AnWj antigen.
Genetic Cause Determined:
The researchers isolated homozygous deletions in the MAL gene that lead to the AnWj-negative blood type.
Increased Safety of Blood Transfusion:
New genotyping tests for AnWj-negatives will reduce transfusion-related complications.
Blood group antigens are proteins that abound on red blood cells. In its absence, it leads to severe transfusion reactions. Laboratory technician and leukemia survivor Philip Brown witnessed firsthand the critical need for accurate blood matches. “Having undergone multiple transfusions, I know firsthand the critical need for accurate blood matches.”.As Laboratory Head, Nicole Thornton said, “the discovery of the MAL Blood Group System will have implications on an international scale because deciphering the genetic origin of the AnWj antigen has been really demanding. It now means we will be able to develop genotyping assays to detect this rare antigen in patients and donors.”
The scientific discovery of the MAL Blood Group System Discovery may well translate into improved blood transfusion safety and accuracy across the globe.
