A collaborative team from Denmark and Sweden report a new approach that uses bacterial enzymes to modify blood type characteristics. The work appears in a scientific journal focused on microbiology, NatMicrob, signaling a potential shift in transfusion science.
The researchers describe a set of enzymes produced by certain gut microbes that can convert red blood cells of various blood groups into a single, universal type. In effect, donors could supply blood without creating major health risks for recipients, expanding options for people with rare blood types or urgent needs.
Red blood cells carry numerous unique sugar chains on their surface, known as antigens, which differ among individuals. Group A, group B, or a combination of both can be found on cell surfaces, while some cells lack these antigens entirely and belong to blood type O. These distinctions drive matching requirements for transfusions and transplantation alike.
Earlier attempts to render multiple blood types universally compatible faced setbacks. Even after removing known surface markers, recipients often rejected transfused cells due to other, not fully understood, biological responses.
Drawing on prior work, the researchers identified substances produced by Akkermansia muciniphila, a bacterium commonly found in the gut. They treated red blood cells from donors representing blood groups II and III with these substances, aiming to neutralize the key antigens that drive incompatibility.
The team found that the introduced enzymes could strip the characteristic antigens from red blood cells within about 30 minutes at room temperature. This enzymatic treatment significantly lowered the rate of blood type incompatibility to under 9%, and it also reduced the severity of rejection responses in experimental settings.
Experts involved in the study say this work fills a missing link in the quest for a universally compatible blood type. The implications extend beyond transfusion medicine; if these enzymes prove safe in broader testing, they could lessen the risk of organ rejection for transplant recipients as well.
While earlier research raised concerns about potential dangerous effects during transfusion from donor blood, the new findings emphasize a controlled, enzyme-driven approach that directly targets antigens responsible for incompatibility. Further studies will be needed to evaluate long-term safety, scalability, and regulatory pathways before clinical use is considered. Researchers stress cautious optimism and the importance of rigorous verification across diverse donor populations, clinical settings, and real-world conditions.