Understanding how blood group antigens affect immune responses and transfusion safety
Official title: Leveraging New Approaches to Unravel ABO Blood Group Immunity and Incompatibility
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10782161 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our immune system reacts to different blood types to help prevent problems that can happen when someone receives the wrong blood during a transfusion, making blood donations and transfusions safer for everyone.
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 start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,593,845 |
| NIH project number | 1P01HL171803-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10782161 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced transfusion reactions or those requiring blood transfusions, particularly those with rare blood types.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have never required a blood transfusion or have no history of blood group incompatibility may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the ABO blood group system, focusing on how the body's immune system responds to different blood group antigens and the formation of antibodies against them. By utilizing advanced tools and methodologies, the research aims to uncover the factors that lead to hemolytic transfusion reactions, which can occur when incompatible blood is transfused. The study seeks to improve our understanding of these immune responses, potentially leading to better blood transfusion practices and patient safety.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the safety of blood transfusions and organ transplants by reducing the risk of adverse immune reactions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in the field of glycosciences has shown promise in understanding blood group antigens, but this specific approach to ABO blood group immunity is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Targeted therapies for glioblastoma in adults and kids
A large NIH program is exploring new brain cancer therapies, including drugs that reach the brain and work against glioblastoma in both children and adults.
-
Statins to Prevent Cancer-Associated Blood Clots in Cancer Patients
A large study will test whether taking rosuvastatin every day for a year can lower the chance of dangerous blood clots in people with cancer, without raising the risk of bleeding.
-
Preterm infant body composition and early-life health after NICU stay
This grant studies how body composition in very preterm babies relates to later brain development and risk of obesity or diabetes, with findings meant to improve care from NICU through early childhood.
-
Rapid Emergency Skills for Prehospital Optimization and Delivery (RESPOND) for Guatemala
A lightweight, AI-enabled prehospital training and triage program helps volunteer firefighters in Guatemala deliver faster, better care to trauma patients.
-
Rapid Emergency Skills for Prehospital Optimization and Notification in Guatemala
A mobile, AI-powered training and triage program helps volunteer emergency responders in Guatemala provide faster, safer trauma care and notify hospitals more quickly.
-
Understanding antibiotic allergy to improve care for patients
Scientists are testing new ideas to understand why some people develop severe allergic reactions to antibiotics and how to prevent or treat them.
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.