London, UK – Researchers from the United Kingdom and Israel have recently made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of blood science. A new blood group system in humans has been described after a peculiar molecular absence was found in the blood of a pregnant woman back in 1972.
Published in 2024, this new system represents a significant achievement resulting from nearly two decades of dedicated research by a team of hematologists and scientists. Dr. Louise Tilley, a hematologist from the UK National Health Service, expressed the importance of this discovery in providing better care to rare patients.
While most people are familiar with the ABO blood group system and the Rh factor, it is interesting to note that humans actually have various blood group systems based on the different protein and sugar coatings on our blood cells. These antigen molecules function as identification markers for our bodies to distinguish ‘self’ from potentially harmful foreign substances.
The recent discovery of the MAL blood group system sheds light on the complexity of blood types and the impact of genetic mutations on them. Researchers found that a missing antigen, AnWj, present in less than 0.1% of the population, led to the identification of this new system. Through extensive research, including genetic testing and gene manipulation, the team was able to pinpoint the specific genetic markers associated with the rare MAL mutation.
Understanding these rare blood quirks is crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of patients in need of blood transfusions. By identifying genetic markers for the MAL mutation, healthcare professionals can now conduct tests to determine if a negative MAL blood type is inherited or caused by other medical conditions. This knowledge can potentially save lives by preventing adverse reactions during transfusions.
The research, published in the journal Blood, highlights the importance of continuous exploration and discovery in the field of blood science. This new blood group system opens up opportunities for further research and advancements in personalized medicine tailored to individual blood types and genetic variations.