Transfusion-driven hyperhemolysis in sickle cell disease
Funded at New York Blood Center · NIH-11396278 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at understanding why some sickle cell patients have severe, dangerous reactions to blood transfusions and finding ways to prevent it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York Blood Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rye, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $799,330 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL165202-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11396278 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with sickle cell disease who require or are at risk for red blood cell transfusions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not receiving transfusions or without SCD-related anemia may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project studies why some people with sickle cell disease experience severe and unpredictable reactions after RBC transfusions, including the destruction of both donor and patient red cells. Researchers have found that transfusion-related red cell breakdown can trigger immune and inflammatory responses that worsen anemia, and that these responses may also suppress red cell production. The team will investigate how stopping or modifying specific immune signals could reduce bystander destruction and improve safety of transfusion in SCD. By clarifying these mechanisms, the study seeks to guide better prevention and treatment strategies for this serious complication.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to safer transfusion practices and new therapies to prevent or mitigate hyperhemolysis in sickle cell patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous findings suggest a link between immune signaling and transfusion-related hemolysis, but targeted interventions are still under development.
Where this research is happening
-
New York Blood Center
Rye, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: An, Xiuli — New York Blood Center
- Study coordinator: An, Xiuli
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Digital twins of the spleen to help design better therapies for sickle cell disease
A computer-driven replica of the spleen is being developed to speed up creating safer and more effective treatments for people with sickle cell disease.
-
Accelerating hydroxyurea use for sickle cell disease in Nigeria
A pragmatic study in Nigeria aims to help doctors use hydroxyurea more consistently for people with sickle cell disease.
-
Immune and nerve signals behind acupuncture relief for sickle cell pain
This NIH grant explores how acupuncture helps reduce pain and opioid use for people with sickle cell disease.
-
Mindfulness-based Support for Pain and Sleep in Young People with Sickle Cell Disease
A digital mindfulness program is being tailored for adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease to help with pain and sleep and is being tested for practicality and early effectiveness.
-
How diet affects white blood cells and sickle cell disease
A study looks at how nutrition, from early life to adulthood, influences sickle cell disease by examining neutrophils and disease severity in people with SCD and in a mouse model.
-
Nutrition-based plan to ease pain in sickle cell disease
A nutrition-based approach is being tested to reduce pain for people living with sickle cell disease.
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.