Researchers from DTU and Lund University have made significant progress towards developing universal donor blood. Through their research, they have discovered enzymes that, when combined with red blood cells, can remove specific sugars that make up the A and B antigens in the human ABO blood groups. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize blood transfusions and organ transplants by creating a universal blood type that can be used for all patients regardless of their blood type. The results of this research have been published in the scientific journal Nature Microbiology, showcasing the importance and impact of this breakthrough.
The need for donor blood is increasing due to the aging population and the rise in blood-intensive medical procedures. By converting A or B blood types into universal donor blood, the logistics and costs associated with storing multiple blood types can be significantly reduced. This development will also lead to a higher supply of donor blood by minimizing wastage of blood nearing its expiry date. The researchers are motivated to continue their work to investigate potential obstacles and enhance their enzymes to reach the ultimate goal of producing universal donor blood for all individuals in need.
Enzymes have been studied for over 40 years to create universal donor blood, but researchers have continued to face challenges in eliminating all immune reactions associated with blood transfusions. In this study, researchers utilized enzymes from a gut bacterium called Akkermansia muciniphila, known for breaking down mucosal sugar structures found in the gut. These enzymes have shown exceptional efficiency in removing A and B antigens from red blood cells, suggesting a promising potential for universal donor blood production.
The research teams tested 24 enzymes on hundreds of blood samples to identify the most effective combinations to remove A and B antigens from red blood cells. This process could simplify blood transfusion procedures, minimize the risk of ABO-mismatched transfusions, and reduce the wastage of blood products. With plans to further develop their findings in a new joint project over the next three and a half years, the researchers aim to continue their progress towards creating universal donor blood that can be safely and effectively used in clinical practice.
The researchers have applied for a patent on the new enzymes and the method for enzyme treatment, and expect to move forward with controlled patient trials to evaluate the concept for commercial production and clinical use. Funding for the initial research project was provided by various organizations, including the Independent Research Fund Denmark, the Swedish Research Council, ALF grants from the Swedish government, the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, and Research Fund Denmark, Natural Sciences. The continued project will be supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation through the Interdisciplinary Synergy Programme.
In Scandinavia, red blood cells from blood group O are the only type that can be universally used by all patients, regardless of their blood type. The distribution of blood types in Scandinavia shows approximately 40-45 percent blood type A, followed by blood type O, B, and AB in smaller percentages. The bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila, found in the gut, has beneficial effects on metabolic markers and body weight by breaking down mucous and producing compounds like propionate. This bacterium has played a crucial role in the discovery and development of enzymes that can potentially create universal donor blood for all individuals in need of blood transfusions.
