Understanding and Preventing Immune Reactions to Blood Transfusions
Basic and Translational Mechanisms of Alloimmunization to RBC Transfusion
This program aims to understand why some patients develop immune reactions to blood transfusions and how to prevent them, especially for those with sickle cell disease.
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-11134686 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many patients who receive blood transfusions, especially those with sickle cell disease, can develop immune reactions where their body creates antibodies against the transfused red blood cells. These reactions, called alloimmunization, can make future transfusions difficult and potentially dangerous. Our program will collect blood samples and detailed health information from 2000 patients with sickle cell disease over time. By studying these samples, we hope to discover why some patients develop these reactions while others do not, and identify ways to predict who is at risk. Ultimately, this knowledge could lead to new strategies to prevent alloimmunization and make blood transfusions safer and more effective for everyone.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients who require blood transfusions, particularly those with sickle cell disease, who are at risk for developing immune reactions.
Not a fit: Patients who do not require blood transfusions or who have not experienced alloimmunization may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to predict and prevent immune reactions to blood transfusions, making transfusions safer and more effective for patients, especially those with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have performed: While extensive antigen matching is currently used, there are very few effective therapeutic interventions to prevent red blood cell alloimmunization, indicating this approach seeks novel solutions.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luckey, Chance Marion John — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Luckey, Chance Marion John
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.