Why stored donor red blood cells can trigger immune reactions
Innate immune triggers of alloantibody induction
This project looks into why stored donor red blood cells sometimes make people who get transfusions produce harmful antibodies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11085099 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use preclinical mouse models that mimic how donated red blood cells are processed and stored for clinical transfusion. They examine how stored RBCs activate immune cells in the spleen, especially dendritic cells that then prime CD4+ T cells to drive antibody formation. The team will test different innate immune receptors to find which ones detect storage-related changes in RBCs. Findings could point to ways to change storage methods or add treatments to prevent dangerous alloantibody responses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project is lab-based and does not enroll patients, but its results would be most relevant to people who receive frequent red blood cell transfusions, such as those with sickle cell disease or other chronic transfusion needs.
Not a fit: People who do not receive red blood cell transfusions or whose problems are unrelated to alloantibodies (for example, ABO-mismatch reactions) are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lower the risk of alloantibody formation after transfusions, making transfusions safer for people who need them repeatedly.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have shown that stored RBCs can activate dendritic cells and cause alloimmunization in mice, and this project builds on those findings to identify the specific innate receptors involved.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williams, Adam — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Williams, Adam
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.