Friday, February 24, 2012

Two new blood types discovered

In addition to the well-known A, B and O types, there are many other factors influencing blood compatibility. Two factors called Junior and Langereis could be important in certain blood transfusions, researchers from the University of Vermont have discovered. While these factors have already proven to be involved with determining blood characteristics, unravelling the genetic basis of these proteins means we are able to test patients for these factors. In turn this ought to prevent problems arising from blood transfusion in certain patients.

Blood type
It is the first time in a decade that new factors determining blood type have been discovered. It is important to know your blood type, as it influences your chances when you receive a blood transfusion. A, B and O are known by most people, and they tell us something about the proteins that are present on the surface of blood cells. If someone has type A, that means protein A is present on the cellular surface, and the body will not recognize that as a foreign molecule when that person receives blood of type A. However, if that person would be given blood from type B, the body's immune system will think it is something that does not belong in the body, and launch an attack against the transfused blood cells.

A person with blood type A makes anti-B, and vice versa. The chart also reveals that a person with AB is a universal acceptor (there are not antibodies present to destroy transfused blood), while O is the universal donor (it has no surface markers that can be detected by the recipient's immune system).
In addition to discovering the characteristics of the Junior and Langereis proteins, scientists analyzed the genetic sequence. They were able to show that samples with a modified version of the gene caused problems in blood transfusion tests. It indicates that Junior and Langereis being present or absent is an important factor to take into account. According to the researchers, their analysis renders a quick assessment to be possible in patients undergoing blood transfusion. Doctors can use their research to quickly analyze whether a patient has the two factors.

Not only do the two proteins determine the make-up of your blood, they also seem to be involved in cancer treatment. The exact mechanism is unsure, but scientists believe that Junior and Langereis influence drug resistance in tumours. Drug resistance occurs when tumour cells develop the capability to withstand treatment given by clinicians. It means that analyzing those two proteins is relevant on more than one account. Additionally, Junior and Langereis may also influence the success rate of organ or tissue transplantation.

The present study shows that our work regarding blood characteristics is far from over. When it comes to the recently analyzed Junior and Langereis proteins, it is believed that certain ethnic groups are at risk when it comes to blood transfusions. Those who are negative for the two factors will respond badly to blood that does contain them, due to the aforementioned immune system. Also its role in cancer and transplantation reveals we need to perform more research on these proteins.


  1. In the hospital where I'm working, some blood components, even they have the same blood type, are incompatible. This could be the reason why.

  2. Could be. Blood types are not so simple to figure out as once thought :)