Understanding how the immune system affects blood transfusions
Official title: Uncovering the Impact of Innate Immunity on Transfusion Medicine Immunobiology
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10887049 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our body's natural defenses can affect the way we produce important antibodies that help prevent problems during blood transfusions and organ transplants, and it aims to find ways to reduce the risk of complications for people receiving 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 | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $172,800 |
| NIH project number | 1K99HL169746-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10887049 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced adverse reactions to blood transfusions or those requiring transfusions with ABO(H) incompatible blood types.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone blood transfusions or do not have ABO(H) blood group incompatibility may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of innate immunity in the production and effects of anti-ABO(H) antibodies, which are crucial in blood transfusion and transplantation. It aims to identify the factors that influence the levels and specificity of these antibodies, which can lead to adverse reactions during incompatible transfusions. By using a preclinical model that mimics human blood group antigens, the study explores how certain immune proteins can target and eliminate microbes that express blood group antigens, potentially affecting antibody formation. The findings could provide insights into preventing transfusion-related complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved safety and outcomes for patients receiving blood transfusions or organ transplants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the immune response related to blood transfusions, but this specific approach focusing on innate immunity and microbial interactions is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Shang-Chuen — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Wu, Shang-Chuen
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.