How microbes influence the B cells that make anti–blood-group antibodies
Project 1 - Examining the impact of microbial dynamics on B cells responsible for anti-blood group antibody formation
This project looks at whether exposure to certain microbes decorated with blood-group sugars causes B cells to make antibodies that can lead to dangerous transfusion or transplant reactions in people who need blood or organs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11135378 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work uses a new mouse model engineered to mimic human ABO blood-group biology so researchers can study how microbes carrying blood-group sugars (BG+ microbes) interact with B cells. The team is testing whether a specific window of B cell development makes innate-like B1 B cells especially sensitive to those microbes and whether ongoing exposure is needed to keep anti-blood-group antibodies present. In the mouse model, animals that mimic blood-group O develop anti-B–like antibodies whose levels correlate with the ability to cause hemolytic transfusion reactions. The researchers will track antibody formation, B cell responses, and microbial exposure to identify factors that drive harmful anti-ABO antibody production.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who have experienced transfusion reactions, people awaiting blood transfusion or organ transplant, or individuals known to have anti-ABO antibodies would be the most relevant candidates for related future studies.
Not a fit: Children, people without transfusion or transplant needs, or those without anti-ABO antibodies are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to ways to prevent or reduce harmful anti-ABO antibodies and lower the risk of dangerous transfusion and transplant reactions.
How similar studies have performed: This is a novel translational approach using a genetically engineered mouse model that builds on prior immunology research, but it has not yet been established as a method to prevent hemolytic transfusion reactions in patients.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stowell, Sean R — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Stowell, Sean R
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.