ISBT Ratifies MAL as 47th Blood Group System After Solving 50-Year AnWj Mystery
Updated
Updated · SciTechDaily · May 16
ISBT Ratifies MAL as 47th Blood Group System After Solving 50-Year AnWj Mystery
1 articles · Updated · SciTechDaily · May 16
The International Society of Blood Transfusion has formally recognized MAL as the 47th human blood group system after researchers tied the rare AnWj antigen to deletions in both copies of the MAL gene.
Whole-exome sequencing and lab tests showed the Mal protein alone produces the AnWj antigen, ending a puzzle that began when the marker was first identified in 1972.
More than 99.9% of people are AnWj-positive, but the finding should enable genetic screening for the tiny number of AnWj-negative patients who face dangerous transfusion reactions if mismatched.
Only five inherited AnWj-negative individuals were identified in the study, while some blood disorders and cancers can also temporarily suppress the Mal protein and mimic the rare type.
The work by NHS Blood and Transplant, the University of Bristol and Israeli partners narrows the pool of unexplained blood antigens and could improve rare-donor matching worldwide.
If people without the Mal protein are healthy, what is the undiscovered biological purpose of this common blood antigen?
As DNA sequencing uncovers more rare blood types, can global transfusion systems keep pace with these complex discoveries?
The MAL Blood Group System: Solving the 50-Year AnWj Antigen Mystery and Transforming Transfusion Medicine in 2024
Overview
In 2024, the MAL blood group system was formally recognized, finally solving the long-standing AnWj antigen mystery after nearly two decades of dedicated research. Scientists like Louise Tilley and Professor Ash Toye played key roles, using advanced genetic tools such as exome sequencing and gene expression manipulation in blood cells. This breakthrough not only identified the genetic basis of the MAL system but also revolutionized transfusion medicine by enabling precise blood matching for rare patients. The discovery’s clinical implications are profound, ensuring safer transfusions and better care for individuals with rare blood types.