• The mystery of a ‘Blood Group’ has now been cracked after 50 years.
• The Discovery will benefit people around the world.

Jalandhar: With the support of the University of Bristol, one of the hard-working and result-oriented research teams led by NHS (National Health Service) Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) scientists in South Gloucestershire has founded a blood group called “MAL”.

These researchers identified the genetic background of the previously known “AnWj blood group antigen”, discovered in 1972. It was unknown until now after this world’s first test was developed. Researchers have found that the AnWj antigen is carried on the MAL protein. While illness can cause some people to lose the AnWj antigen, inherited cases of the AnWj-negative phenotype are extremely rare.

Better Care for Rare Patients

Thousands of lives could be saved around the world after NHS scientists discovered a new blood group system – solving a 50-year-old mystery. Senior research scientist at NHSBT Louise Tilley shares that the discovery means “better care to rare patients” can now be offered.

Ms Tilley, who has worked on the project for 20 years, informs that it is “quite difficult to put a number” on how many people will benefit from the test. However, the NHSBT is the last resort for about 400 patients across the world each year.

Everyone has proteins outside their red blood cells known as antigens, but a small number might lack them. Moreover, Using genetic testing, NHSBT’s International Blood Group Reference Laboratory in Filton has for the first time developed a test that will identify patients missing this antigen. The test could prove a lifesaver for those who would react against a blood transfusion and will make it easier to find potential blood developers for this rare blood type.

How did it start?

Philip Brown, who worked at the laboratory, was diagnosed with a form of leukemia about 20 years ago. He had blood transfusions and a bone marrow transplant – without that, he would have died.

“Anything we can do to make our blood much safer and a better match for patients is a definite step in the right direction,”

Philip Brown

The National Health Service Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is dedicated to looking after blood donation and transplant services in the UK. NHSBT services include the management of donations, storage of donations, and the transplantation of blood, organs, tissues, bone marrow and stem cells. People are drawn to the organization’s mission and values, as it plays a crucial role in saving and improving lives, thus making a positive impact and helping others.

“Resolving the genetic basis for AnWj has been one of our most challenging projects. There is so much work that goes into proving that a gene encodes a blood group antigen, but it is what we are passionate about, making these discoveries for the benefit of rare patients around the world. Now genotyping tests can be designed to identify genetically AnWj-negative patients and donors. Such tests can be added to the existing genotyping platforms.”

Head of the Laboratory Nicole Thornton

The researchers have not only developed this world-first test but also provided countries across the world with antibodies to allow them to carry out research. They are from reference labs in other countries that have already done much work.

SOURCE: Bristol

In simple words, an antigen is a substance that causes the body to make an immune response against that substance. Antigens include toxins, chemicals, bacteria, viruses, or other substances from outside the body. Body tissues and cells, including cancer cells, also have antigens on them that can cause an immune response.

This breakthrough not only emphasizes the lab’s importance globally but also opens doors for the development of novel blood group systems, enhancing patient care everywhere. This novel discovery is anticipated to improve blood transfusion patient safety and efficacy worldwide.