In a groundbreaking development that marks a new era in blood transfusion science, researchers from the United Kingdom and Israel have discovered a rare blood group that has remained a mystery for over five decades. This breakthrough is not just about the identification of a new blood type, but also the resolution of a long-standing enigma regarding a previously misunderstood protein, now identified as the MAL protein.
This new discovery introduces the 47th officially recognized blood group system, based on the identification of the AnWj antigen. This antigen is carried by the MAL protein found on red blood cells, and its absence in certain individuals has been linked to severe immune reactions during blood transfusions. For many years, scientists struggled to understand the cause of these reactions, but with the discovery of the MAL blood group, the puzzle has finally been solved.
Dr. Valerie Magutu, a haematologist and lecturer at the University of Nairobi, shared her thoughts on the significance of this finding, calling it transformative for transfusion science. “The AnWj protein is present in 98 percent of the population, but a small group of people lack it. For these individuals, receiving blood that contains this protein can lead to an immune response, as their bodies perceive it as foreign,” Dr. Magutu explained. This discovery brings much-needed clarity and promises to improve blood transfusion practices, especially for individuals who may be at risk of adverse reactions due to the lack of the AnWj antigen.
One of the most important aspects of this discovery is its potential to improve the identification and treatment of rare blood cases. For individuals who lack the MAL protein, having blood transfusions becomes a complex medical challenge. However, with the identification of the genetic basis for this blood group system, researchers are optimistic that transfusion practices can be safer moving forward. The newfound understanding opens up opportunities for further research and potential treatments tailored to these rare cases.
Joseph Sumba, a clinical pathologist at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital, highlighted the importance of this discovery for Kenya. While the MAL blood group is not yet routinely tested for in the country, its relevance cannot be overstated. “For patients who require transfusions but have no compatible matches through standard blood type testing, the MAL blood group could provide critical insights,” Sumba noted. He emphasized the need for local researchers to explore the prevalence of the MAL blood group in Kenya, as this could significantly influence future transfusion practices and the development of more personalized medical care.
The origins of the MAL blood group trace back to 1972, when a pregnant Arab-Israeli woman was discovered to lack a surface molecule present on all known red blood cells at the time. The anomaly went unexplained for decades, but thanks to the pioneering work of researchers at the UK’s National Health Services Blood and Transplant and the University of Bristol, the genetic basis of the AnWj antigen was identified in September 2024. Utilizing advanced genetic techniques, including whole exome sequencing, the team was able to confirm that individuals with the rare AnWj-negative phenotype lack the MAL protein in their red blood cells.
This discovery holds tremendous promise not only for blood transfusion practices globally but also for enhancing medical care in Kenya and beyond. Kenyan researchers are optimistic that this new understanding will lead to significant improvements in local blood transfusion practices, fostering better global collaboration in the medical community. The establishment of the Kenya Tissue and Transplant Authority also provides a platform for adopting these groundbreaking advancements, safeguarding lives, and providing the highest standard of care to patients in need of blood transfusions. With the integration of international standards, Kenya could soon join the global conversation on improving transfusion safety and research.
This rare blood group discovery is a testament to the power of global collaboration and scientific innovation in solving complex medical mysteries and improving health outcomes worldwide.
