Scientists have identified a new human blood group system called MAL after decades of research dating back to a 1972 discovery. In 1972, a pregnant woman’s blood was found to be missing a surface molecule called AnWj that is present on all other known red blood cells.
Through nearly 20 years of research led by UK scientist Louise Tilley and collaborators in the UK and Israel, the team identified the genetic basis for this unusual blood type. They found it is caused by mutations in the MAL genes that encode a myelin and lymphocyte protein where the AnWj antigen is normally located.
Identifying this rare MAL blood group system is an important medical advancement as it will allow better matching of blood donations for the few patients who are AnWj-negative due to MAL mutations or other suppressions. Understanding these atypical blood groups helps prevent dangerous transfusion reactions.
The discovery of the MAL system exemplifies how ongoing scientific research into unusual medical cases can have real-world impacts by advancing healthcare for rare patient populations through elucidating new biology. It took over 50 years but by persisting, the team was finally able to characterize this newly described element of human genetic and blood group diversity.
Source: Science Alert
