How blood-type antibodies and microbes affect transfusion and transplant safety
Project 2 - Convergence of innate immunity and microbial communities in the regulation of anti-blood group antibody development
['FUNDING_P01'] · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11135389
This project looks at how the immune system and certain microbes shape natural blood-type antibodies that matter for people needing transfusions or transplants.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11135389 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, the team is exploring why some people develop stronger or different anti‑blood‑type antibodies than others and how that affects blood transfusions and organ transplants. They use lab and animal models plus analyses of microbes that carry blood‑group sugars to see what triggers these antibodies. Researchers are focusing on immune proteins called galectins that may kill or control those microbes and thereby influence antibody formation. The goal is to link these lab findings to patterns seen in people so treatments or tests could be improved in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people of different ABO blood types who are willing to give blood or other samples and who are interested in research related to transfusion or transplant outcomes.
Not a fit: People with no interest in transfusion/transplant issues or who are unwilling to provide samples are unlikely to benefit directly from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better ways to predict or prevent harmful anti‑blood‑type antibodies, improving transfusion and transplant safety.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies suggest microbes with blood‑group sugars can trigger anti‑ABO antibodies and that galectins can target those microbes, but applying these findings to people is still early and novel.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ARTHUR, CONNIE M — BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: ARTHUR, CONNIE M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.