In an exciting development, researchers from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and Lund University have made significant progress towards producing universal donor blood.
This advancement hinges on enzymes sourced from a common gut bacterium, Akkermansia muciniphila, which can convert blood types A and B into the universally compatible blood type O.
Such a breakthrough could revolutionize blood transfusion practices.
Every year, globally, about 120 million blood units are donated.
The need for donor blood is considerable due to an aging population and a rising number of complex medical procedures.
A key challenge remains: ensuring compatibility between donor and recipient blood types to avoid adverse reactions.
Red blood cells contain complex sugar molecules known as antigens on their surface, determining the four main ABO blood groups: A, B, AB, and O. When blood types intermix without compatibility, these antigens can trigger severe immune responses.
Hence, the pursuit of universal donor blood is vital for safer and more efficient blood transfusion logistics.
The solution comes from a rather unexpected place: our gut microbiota.
Akkermansia muciniphila produces enzymes adept at breaking down sugar chains akin to those on red blood cells.
By using these enzymes, researchers found they could remove A and B antigens effectively, aligning transformed blood closer to type O.
Dr. Martin Olsson from Lund University highlighted that these enzymes’ ability to mimic blood cell surface properties stems from their natural role in breaking down gut mucus.
This discovery stems from long strings of sugar that resemble blood cell sugars, thus providing a unique approach to antigen removal without using synthetic alternatives.
However, while progress is being made, challenges remain.
For instance, converting type A blood still presents complications.
The enzyme cocktails have shown around 90% efficiency in making type B blood compatible with type O plasma.
Nonetheless, compatibility for modifying type A blood currently stands around 50%, suggesting more complex sugar structures in this blood type.
In line with this development, research teams have applied for a patent, and their focus now shifts to refining these enzymes and overcoming any barriers to achieve universal blood production.
This endeavor is supported by several foundations, including the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s Interdisciplinary Synergy Programme.
The potential advantages are enormous: reducing life-threatening reactions from mismatched transfusions, curbing the logistical burden of storing various blood types, and enhancing the availability and longevity of blood supplies.
Before universal donor blood becomes a reality in healthcare, it must pass rigorous controlled trials for safety and efficacy.
If successful, this innovation will mark a milestone in medical science, simplifying transfusions and saving countless lives worldwide.
Researchers remain optimistic, with new projects underway to continue this promising venture.