Understanding how certain microbes influence blood group antibodies
Official title: Etiology of naturally-occurring anti-ABO antibodies
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11055394 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how certain germs can trick your immune system into making antibodies that might cause problems during blood transfusions or organ transplants, and it aims to find ways to prevent these issues for patients who need these treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $168,480 |
| NIH project number | 5K08HL171877-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055394 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced complications related to blood transfusions or organ transplants due to anti-ABO(H) antibodies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of blood transfusions or organ transplants may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the factors that lead to the development of anti-ABO(H) antibodies, which can complicate blood transfusions and organ transplants. The researchers aim to identify how exposure to specific microbes that mimic blood group antigens can stimulate the immune system to produce these antibodies. By studying the interactions between these microbes and the immune response, the goal is to uncover the underlying mechanisms that drive antibody formation. This knowledge could help in developing strategies to manage or prevent adverse reactions in patients requiring blood products or transplants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved safety and compatibility in blood transfusions and organ transplants for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that microbial interactions can influence immune responses, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jajosky, Ryan P — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Jajosky, Ryan P
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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.