but also the other antigens of the Rh blood group, which are a major obstacle for creating universal donor blood,” says Henrik Clausen, Professor at the DTU Bioengineering. ”This could be a game-changer in the field of blood transfusion.”
The ABO blood group system, which categorizes blood into A, B, AB, and O groups, is determined by the presence or absence of the A and B antigens on the surface of red blood cells. Individuals with type O blood are considered universal donors because they lack both A and B antigens, making their blood compatible with all blood types. Currently, only 7% of the population are universal donors. The discovery of these enzymes could potentially revolutionize blood transfusions by expanding the pool of universal donors.
The research team developed the enzymes by using a method known as directed evolution, which involved engineering the enzymes to recognize and remove the target sugars. These enzymes were then tested on samples of donated blood and were found to effectively remove the A, B, and Rh antigens, transforming them into universal donor blood. The success of this method provides hope for a future where safe and readily available blood transfusions can be administered to anyone in need, regardless of their blood type.
the blood group B donors may soon be able to provide universal blood, while the more complex group A blood still requires further work. Professor Maher Abou Hachem, the study leader at DTU, emphasizes the need to investigate potential obstacles and enhance enzymes in order to achieve the ultimate goal of universal blood production. This breakthrough is attributed to the collaboration of DTU researchers with expertise in enzymes.The researchers at Lund University are studying the human gut microbiota and its relationship to carbohydrate-based blood groups and transfusion medicine. There is a high demand for donor blood, as human red blood cells have specific complex sugar structures that determine ABO blood groups A, B, AB, and O. These antigens are crucial for ensuring compatibility between donors and recipients for safe blood transfusions and organ transplants. Donor blood is rigorously screened for disease markers and main blood groups, and can be stored refrigerated for up to 42 days. The demand for donor blood is particularly high due to the increasing elderly population.The demand for blood transfusions is increasing due to population growth and more patients needing blood-intensive medical procedures. Converting A or B blood types into ABO universal donor blood can significantly reduce the logistical challenges and costs associated with storing four different blood types. Additionally, creating universal donor blood will increase the supply of donor blood by minimizing waste as blood approaches its expiration date.
It is necessary to remove the A and B antigens in order to create universal donor blood because they can cause life-threatening immune reactions when transfused into recipients with mismatched blood types.
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The idea of using enzymes to create universal blood donors was first introduced over 40 years ago. Since then, more efficient enzymes for removing A and B antigens have been found, but scientists have not been able to understand or eliminate all immune reactions related to blood, so these enzymes are not yet used in clinical practice.
Enzymes from the digestive system
Researchers from DTU and Lund University have taken a new approach to finding enzymes that can eliminate both the A and B blood antigens and the sugars that block them. These research teams have discovered new combinations of enzymes from the gut
The human gut bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila feeds by breaking down the mucus that covers the surface of the gut. This bacterium has enzymes that are highly effective at breaking down the complex sugars found in the intestinal mucosa, which are similar to those found on the surface of blood cells. According to Maher Abou Hachem, “What is special about the mucosa is that bacteria, which are able to live on this material, often have tailor-made enzymes to break down mucosal sugar structures, which include blood group ABO antigens. This hypothesis turned out to be correct.” The researchers in this study tested.24 enzymes were utilized to process numerous blood samples. According to Professor Martin L. Olsson of Lund University, the creation of universal blood will lead to more efficient use of donor blood and prevent potentially fatal consequences from ABO-mismatched transfusions. The researchers from DTU and Lund University have submitted a patent application for their work.Researchers are focusing on developing new enzymes and refining their method for enzyme treatment. They are anticipating more advancements in their joint project over the next three and a half years. If successful, the next step would be to conduct controlled patient trials before considering commercial production and clinical use.
The initial funding for the research project comes from the Independent Research Fund Denmark (Technology and Production Sciences, FTP), the Swedish Research Council, ALF grants from the Swedish government and county councils, the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, and Research Fund Denmark, Natural Sciences, FNU.The Novo Nordisk Foundation is supporting a new project as part of its Interdisciplinary Synergy Programme.
FACTS:
Donorblood
In Scandinavia, the majority of blood donors have type A blood (40-45%), with the majority being RhD positive and 10-15% being RhD negative. Type O blood accounts for about 40%, type B for about 10%, and type AB for about 5%. Blood group O red blood cells can be used by all patients regardless of ABO type.
Bacterium from the gut
Akkermansia rnrnmuciniphila is a bacterium that is commonly found in the digestive tracts of healthy individuals. It has the ability to break down mucus in the gut and produce beneficial compounds like propionate, a short-chain fatty acid. Studies have shown that this bacterium also has positive effects on body weight and metabolic markers.
