Understanding how the immune system affects blood transfusions in sickle cell disease
Autoantibody-induced type 1 interferons and RBC alloimmunization in sickle cell disease
This project looks at how the immune system's response, specifically type 1 interferons and autoantibodies, might cause problems with blood transfusions for people with sickle cell disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11122284 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Patients with sickle cell disease often need blood transfusions, but sometimes their immune system reacts by making new antibodies against the transfused red blood cells, which is called alloimmunization. This reaction can lead to serious complications. We want to understand why this happens more often in sickle cell patients compared to others. Our work focuses on how certain immune signals, called type 1 interferons, and self-attacking antibodies (autoantibodies) might trigger these unwanted immune responses. By exploring these factors, we hope to find ways to make transfusions safer and more effective for you.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with sickle cell disease who experience or are at risk for red blood cell alloimmunization are the focus of this research.
Not a fit: Patients without sickle cell disease or those who do not require blood transfusions would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to personalized transfusion plans and better-matched blood units, reducing serious complications for patients with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that inflammation can promote red blood cell alloantibody responses, and preliminary data in this application supports the role of type 1 interferons in sickle cell disease.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gibb, David R — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Gibb, David R
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 below.