Why people with sickle cell disease make antibodies after blood transfusions
Basic and Translational Mechanisms of Alloimmunization to RBC Transfusion Scientific Core A
['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · NIH-11134687
This project looks for genetic and immune factors that explain why many adults with sickle cell disease make antibodies after receiving red blood cell transfusions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11134687 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers will compare whole genome sequencing and other biological data from thousands of adults with sickle cell disease who have had multiple transfusions to find patterns linked to making alloantibodies. They will combine genetic data with information about whether transfusions occurred during acute illness versus steady-state and with measures of inflammation and other environmental conditions at the time of transfusion. The work uses large existing cohorts (an Emory cohort of about 2,000 patients with ≥10 transfusions and the REDSIII/TOPMed cohort of ~2,800 subjects) and integrates omics and clinical data to pinpoint drivers of alloimmunization. The core supports translational analyses that could identify biomarkers or targets to reduce dangerous antibody formation during transfusion.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with sickle cell disease—especially those of African ancestry—who have received multiple red blood cell transfusions (for example, ten or more) are the ideal candidates for this work.
Not a fit: People without sickle cell disease, children under 21, or individuals who have never or only rarely received transfusions are unlikely to be directly included or to benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help predict who is at high risk of forming transfusion antibodies and guide blood matching or preventive strategies to lower complications.
How similar studies have performed: Previous smaller studies have shown high alloimmunization rates in sickle cell disease and suggested genetic links, but this large integrated genomics and clinical-environmental approach is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA — CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SHEEHAN, VIVIEN ANDREA — UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
- Study coordinator: SHEEHAN, VIVIEN ANDREA
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.