Preventing unwanted immune reactions to red blood cell transfusions
Basic and Translational Mechanisms of Alloimmunization to RBC Transfusion. Project 3
This research explores why some patients develop unwanted immune reactions after receiving life-saving red blood cell transfusions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11134695 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Blood transfusions are a common and life-saving treatment, but sometimes a patient's immune system reacts to the donor blood by creating special antibodies. These antibodies can cause complications in future transfusions, during pregnancy, or in transplant situations. Our goal is to understand why some patients develop these reactions, known as alloimmunization, and how to prevent them. We are looking closely at factors in both the donated red blood cells and the patient's own immune system, specifically focusing on certain young red blood cells called reticulocytes. This knowledge will help us develop new strategies to identify at-risk patients and prevent these adverse events.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who receive red blood cell transfusions, especially those with conditions like hemolytic anemias, are the focus of this research.
Not a fit: Patients who do not require red blood cell transfusions would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent harmful immune reactions in patients receiving red blood cell transfusions.
How similar studies have performed: While the underlying mechanisms of alloimmunization are complex and not fully understood, this work builds upon preliminary data and observations regarding factors influencing immune responses to transfusions.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hudson, Krystalyn E — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Hudson, Krystalyn E
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.