Understanding Blood Transfusion Reactions in Sickle Cell Disease
Basic and Translational Mechanisms of Alloimmunization to RBC Transfusion. Project 4
This project aims to understand why people with sickle cell disease sometimes have reactions to blood 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-11134698 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people with sickle cell disease need blood transfusions, but a significant number develop reactions where their body creates antibodies against the transfused blood. These reactions, called alloimmunization, can make future transfusions more difficult and less effective. Our team believes that certain genetic factors and the body's inflammatory state during a transfusion might play a role in why some individuals develop these reactions more often. We are looking at genetic information from a large group of sickle cell patients who have received many transfusions to identify specific genetic markers. By comparing those who developed reactions to those who did not, we hope to uncover the underlying reasons for these immune responses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research focuses on individuals with sickle cell disease who have received blood transfusions.
Not a fit: Patients without sickle cell disease or those who do not receive blood transfusions would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Successfully identifying these factors could lead to new ways to prevent transfusion reactions, making blood transfusions safer and more effective for individuals with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have performed: While the high rate of alloimmunization in sickle cell disease is known, this project uses a large-scale, unbiased human genetic approach to uncover new drivers, building upon previous observations.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sheehan, Vivien Andrea — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Sheehan, Vivien Andrea
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.