Scientists have finally solved a half-century-old puzzle in blood science. The mystery began in 1972 with the discovery of the AnWj antigen, but the genetic mechanism behind it remained unknown. Now, researchers have identified the cause and established a new blood group system called MAL.
The finding gives the AnWj antigen a clear genetic foundation and a formal place among human blood groups. Because AnWj-negative blood is extremely rare, the new understanding could make it much simpler to identify the small number of patients and donors with this unusual profile.
This advance resolves a long-standing question in transfusion medicine and opens a more practical path for matching rare blood types in clinical settings.