Distribution and Genetic Characterization of the MNS Blood Group in Multi-Ethnic Populations of East China

To investigate the distribution of antigen and allele frequencies of the MNS blood group system among multi-ethnic populations in East China, and to analyze the genetic polymorphism of uncommon phenotypes, thereby contributing to the enhancement of the regional blood type database.

A total of 8606 whole blood samples were randomly collected from voluntary blood donors in East China between October 2023 and June 2024. MNS blood group phenotypes were identified using serological methods, and allele frequencies were analyzed and compared across populations. Genetic sequencing was performed on samples with uncommon MNS phenotypes.

The study primarily included the Han, Hui, and Manchu populations. Among the Han population, the most prevalent phenotypes were M+N+S-s+ (45.21%), M-N+S-s+ (25.94%), and M+N-S-s+ (19.84%), respectively. Phenotypic distributions in most other ethnic groups were comparable to that of the Han population, except for the Yi population, which showed a significantly different distribution (P < 0.05). Furthermore, a rare serological phenotype, S-s-, was identified with a frequency of 0.01%. The allele frequencies of the MNS blood group system among different population in East China were consistent with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P > 0.05).

The MNS blood group system in East China's multi-ethnic populations exhibits polymorphism and regional specificity. Notable allele frequency differences exist between certain minority populations and the Han population. Therefore, it is essential to enhance the development of a regional blood type database tailored to East China in order to support precise clinical transfusion with robust data, including informed pre-transfusion antibody screening for high-risk groups.