NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding severe reactions to blood transfusions in sickle cell disease

Official title: Transfusion-driven hyperhemolysis in sickle cell disease

Funded at New York Blood Center · NIH-10904817 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how blood transfusions can sometimes cause serious problems for people with sickle cell disease, especially a reaction where both the new and old blood cells can be harmed, and it aims to find out why this happens so we can better prevent and treat these issues.

More Sickle Cell Disease research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York Blood Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2023
Project endJune 30, 2027
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$799,330
NIH project number5R01HL165202-02
Project IDNIH-10904817 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older with sickle cell disease who require blood transfusions.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have sickle cell disease or those who do not require blood transfusions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the severe complications that can arise from blood transfusions in patients with sickle cell disease, specifically focusing on delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions (DHTR). The study aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to these unpredictable and potentially life-threatening reactions, where both transfused and the patient's own red blood cells are destroyed. By examining the role of type I interferon and its effects on immune cells, the research seeks to improve prevention and treatment strategies for these complications. Patients may be monitored for their response to transfusions and the associated immune reactions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better management and treatment options for patients experiencing severe transfusion reactions, ultimately improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding immune responses in transfusion reactions can lead to improved treatment protocols, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

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

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.