Understanding Red Blood Cell Changes in Sickle Cell Disease and Infection
Official title: Alterations in RBC Membrane Lipids in SCD/Infection and Impact on Hemolysis
Funded at New York Blood Center · NIH-11015292 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores why some people with sickle cell disease experience more severe symptoms, especially when they also have an infection, by looking closely at their red blood cells.
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) | $572,180 |
| NIH project number | 2P01HL149626-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015292 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is relevant for patients living with sickle cell disease, especially those who experience severe forms of the condition or complications from infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without sickle cell disease would not directly benefit from this specific research focus.
What this research studies
We know that sickle cell disease can affect people very differently, and we want to understand why some individuals have more severe red blood cell breakdown, especially when an infection like Babesia is present. Our team believes that changes in the fats (lipids) that make up the red blood cell membrane play a big role in this process. We think that stress inside the cells leads to an imbalance in these fats, making the red blood cells fragile and break down too soon. When a Babesia infection occurs, the parasite needs these fats to grow, further damaging the red blood cell membrane and causing even more severe breakdown. By studying these changes, we hope to uncover the root causes of severe sickle cell disease symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to treat or prevent the severe red blood cell breakdown and complications experienced by people with sickle cell disease, particularly during infections.
How similar studies have gone: This program builds upon preliminary data and existing knowledge about sickle cell disease, aiming to uncover novel molecular mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
New York Blood Center
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lobo, Cheryl Ann — New York Blood Center
- Study coordinator: Lobo, Cheryl Ann
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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.