NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding the immune response in sickle cell disease

Official title: Immune Pathophysiology of Sickle Cell Disease

Funded at New York Blood Center · NIH-10995269 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how sickle cell disease affects the immune system during blood transfusions, aiming to find ways to make transfusions safer and improve health for patients who need them.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York Blood Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startMarch 1, 2022
Project endDecember 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$828,377
NIH project number5R35HL161239-04
Project IDNIH-10995269 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease who have received or are likely to receive blood transfusions.

Less likely to help

Patients without 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 chronic inflammation associated with sickle cell disease (SCD) and its impact on patients, particularly focusing on the immune mechanisms that lead to complications from blood transfusions. The study aims to explore how certain immune cells, specifically monocytes, respond to hemolysis and contribute to transfusion-related complications such as alloimmunization and delayed transfusion reactions. By examining these pathways, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets that could improve patient outcomes. Patients with SCD who require blood transfusions may benefit from a better understanding of their immune responses and the development of safer transfusion practices.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved transfusion safety and reduced complications for patients with sickle cell disease.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses in transfusion complications, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • New York Blood Center
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Yazdanbakhsh, Karina — New York Blood Center
  • Study coordinator: Yazdanbakhsh, Karina

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.