Using enzymes produced by a bacteria that almost everyone has in their gut, researchers have removed the antigens from red blood cells that determine blood type, putting us within reach of producing universal donor blood.

“Researchers at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and Lund University, Sweden, have used enzymes produced by a common gut bacteria to remove the A and B antigens from red blood cells, bringing them one step closer to creating universal donor blood.”

  • Albbi@lemmy.ca
    17·
    8 months ago

    Think of it like being allergic.

    O types are allergic to everything. If they see an A or a B or both, they’ll have a reaction.

    A types are allergic to B. They have A riding along on their blood cells. Good times.

    Similarly, B types are allergic to A.

    AB abides all types.

    So if you think of the reverse when donating blood, O types, since they’re allergic to all types don’t have any problems giving their blood since there’s nothing for others to be allergic to. AB types are filthy and full of stuff others are allergic to, so they can only really share amongst themselves.

    There’s also +/- as an added complication.

    This enzyme sounds pretty good as it’ll just strip the stuff people could be allergic to. Put some AB blood in with the enzyme and you essentially get O blood anyone can use.

    I secretly think your question was about a method of assassination. Receiving the antigens alone might not be a problem so much, but usually they’re attached to red blood cells which your immune system will start fighting. Not good to have your body fight your blood.

    • ArcaneGadget@lemmy.world
      5·
      8 months ago

      No-no. I was thinking more along the lines of: What if some of those enzymes for stripping blood cells of antigens got into your bloodstream and started stripping your own blood cells of antigens. If for example a blood donation hadn’t gotten “filtered” well enough after the enzyme process.

      • morphballganon@lemmy.world
        9·
        8 months ago

        I’m not an expert but I think the body would just make more of their type and be fine. The destructive agents would be spent fairly quickly and be removed.

      • azi
        3·
        8 months ago

        Your body doesn’t have issue with the stripped donor blood so it wouldn’t have any issue if your blood cells got stripped. The whole point of a blood transfusion is that your immune system doesn’t know the difference between your blood and the donor blood.