Scientists Discover New Blood Group System MAL

NHS scientists have identified a new blood group named MAL, solving a 50-year mystery related to the AnWj antigen, which was first discovered in 1972. This breakthrough enables better identification and treatment of rare patients who lack this blood group, potentially saving thousands of lives. The research team established that the AnWj antigen is linked to the MAL protein, with over 99.9% of the population being AnWj-positive. The new findings will facilitate the development of genotyping tests to ensure safety in blood transfusions for individuals at risk of reactions due to blood type incompatibility. The study highlights the complexity of blood group systems beyond the well-known ABO and Rh types, emphasizing the importance of matching blood to prevent transfusion complications. This significant achievement comes after two decades of research and collaboration among various experts in the field.