Understanding how immune cells affect red blood cell production in sickle cell disease
Official title: Erythroblastic Island Macrophages in SCD Disordered Erythropoiesis.
Funded at New York Blood Center · NIH-11015293 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how special immune cells called macrophages in the bone marrow might be causing problems with red blood cell production in people with sickle cell disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York Blood Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 20, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $640,500 |
| NIH project number | 2P01HL149626-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015293 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is for patients with sickle cell disease who may benefit from future therapies that improve red blood cell production.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without sickle cell disease or related blood disorders would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Our bodies rely on special cells in the bone marrow, called erythroblastic island macrophages, to help make healthy red blood cells. In sickle cell disease, these macrophages may not work correctly, leading to issues with red blood cell formation and anemia. This project aims to understand how these macrophages become dysfunctional and how their communication with developing red blood cells is disrupted. We are looking at specific signals and pathways within these cells to find ways to restore their normal function and improve red blood cell production.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that help the body produce more healthy red blood cells, potentially reducing anemia and other complications for individuals with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of these macrophages in red blood cell production is known, this specific approach to understanding their dysfunction in sickle cell disease is exploring new mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
New York Blood Center
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: An, Xiuli — New York Blood Center
- Study coordinator: An, Xiuli
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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.