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New MAL Blood Group Discovered, Enhances Rare Blood Testing

11/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers from the United Kingdom and Israel identified a new MAL blood group system from a 1972 case of AnWj antigen absence, with the finding published in 2024.
Hematologist Louise Tilley says studying this rare case is challenging, as over 99.9% of people possess the AnWj antigen.
Researchers confirmed the MAL gene's role by inserting it into AnWj-negative blood cells, restoring the antigen and improving testing for rare blood types.

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Story summary

Researchers from the United Kingdom and Israel identified a new MAL blood group system from a 1972 case of AnWj antigen absence, with the finding published in 2024.
Hematologist Louise Tilley says studying this rare case is challenging, as over 99.9% of people possess the AnWj antigen.
Researchers confirmed the MAL gene's role by inserting it into AnWj-negative blood cells, restoring the antigen and improving testing for rare blood types.