Understanding how blood transfusions can lead to immune reactions in patients.
Official title: Basic and Translational Mechanisms of Alloimmunization to RBC Transfusion
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11070282 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how people with sickle cell disease react to blood transfusions, especially why some develop antibodies against the new blood while others don’t, to help make transfusions safer and better for everyone.
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 start | September 10, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,286,537 |
| NIH project number | 5P01HL169552-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070282 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with sickle cell disease who require regular blood transfusions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require blood transfusions or those without sickle cell disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the immune responses that occur when patients receive blood transfusions, particularly focusing on those with sickle cell disease. It aims to identify why some patients develop antibodies against transfused red blood cells while others do not, which can lead to serious complications. By collecting samples from a large group of patients over time, the study will analyze the factors that contribute to these immune reactions. The findings could help improve transfusion practices and patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better strategies for preventing immune reactions in patients requiring blood transfusions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses to blood transfusions, but this study aims to explore novel approaches that have not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zimring, James C. — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Zimring, James C.
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.