Researchers at the University of British Columbia have discovered a way to convert type A blood into universal type O blood using enzymes found in gut bacteria.
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The team identified two enzymes from the bacteria Flavonifractor plautii that work together to remove A antigens from red blood cells. These enzymes effectively strip away the markers that would trigger immune responses in recipients.
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Type O blood is considered universal because it lacks the antigens that cause rejection. It can be safely given to anyone with Rh-positive blood, which includes about 75% of the population.
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This breakthrough could potentially double the supply of universal donor blood available for transfusions. Since type A is the second most common blood type after O, converting it would significantly increase blood stocks for patients in need.
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h/t: News Medical
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