Scientists identify genetic cause for rare AnWj blood group antigen
Researchers at the University of Bristol and NHS Blood and Transplant solved a fifty-year mystery to establish a new human blood group system called MAL on September 19, 2026.
Genetic source of antigen found
Scientists traced the mysterious marker on red blood cells back to its specific genetic origin. This breakthrough officially created a new classification known as the MAL blood group system. The work involved teams from the International Blood Group Reference Laboratory alongside university colleagues.
Benefits for rare patients
Doctors can now use this knowledge to locate extremely rare AnWj-negative donors more easily. Identifying these specific patients helps protect them from dangerous transfusion reactions that occur when the immune system attacks foreign antigens. Most people possess familiar ABO and Rh groups, but hundreds of other molecules exist on red blood cell surfaces.
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