Why blood type differences cause immune reactions and transfusion problems
Leveraging New Approaches to Unravel ABO Blood Group Immunity and Incompatibility
Researchers are trying to understand why some people make antibodies against ABO blood types and why only some incompatible transfusions cause harmful reactions, to help people who need transfusions or transplants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11135369 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses new tools from glycoscience to map the exact sugar structures (ABO(H) antigens) on blood cells and to characterize the antibodies that recognize them. Investigators will analyze blood samples, antibody binding patterns, and clinical transfusion outcomes to find what triggers hemolytic transfusion reactions in some but not all incompatible exposures. The team will apply advanced molecular and structural methods and develop laboratory tests beyond traditional agglutination to better detect risky incompatibilities. Findings are intended to explain variable patient responses and point toward safer matching or new diagnostic approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would include people who have had or may need blood transfusions or transplants, individuals with known ABO incompatibilities, or people willing to donate blood samples for research.
Not a fit: People who never need transfusions or transplants and those unwilling to provide samples are unlikely to see direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more precise blood matching and fewer dangerous transfusion or transplant reactions.
How similar studies have performed: Traditional agglutination tests have a long history but newer glycoscience tools are only recently being applied, so this integrated approach is relatively novel with promising preliminary advances in the field.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stowell, Sean R — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Stowell, Sean 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.