New York Blood Center Researchers Revel On Immune Pathway In Sickle Cell Disease

New York City Blood Center Enterprises ("NYBCe") scientists established a vital mechanism for evolving Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) medical care approaches. Results published in the Blood Cover article demonstrate how SCD immune response functions, which supports the development of medications to target select immune pathways and enhance patient outcomes.

“This research provides crucial insights into how the immune system functions in sickle cell disease. By understanding these complex immune mechanisms, we can develop more targeted treatments for SCD patients, potentially reducing their vulnerability to infections while managing immune system complications,” said Dr. Karina Yazdanbakhsh, Vice President and Director of Research at New York Blood Center Enterprises. 

NYBCe scientists utilized highly advanced mice research models to observe that SCD laboratory mice demonstrated a superior immune response to T-cell independent antigens through examination of essential immunological cell subsets. Research findings confirmed B-1 cells, especially the B-1b subpopulation, as essential contributors to immune reactions and demonstrated how type I interferons served as vital elements for both response control and autoantibody formation. The investigators at NYBCe received their funding from the National Heart Lung Blood Institute through NIH grants.

Dr. Banu Aygun, Associate Chief of Hematology and Section Head of Sickle Cell Disease at New York’s Northwell Health Cohen Children’s Medical Center. “The team’s discovery of anti-red blood cell (RBC) autoantibodies and the underlying mechanisms through type I interferon and B1b cell subsets provide crucial insights for future therapeutic interventions. The findings from Dr. Yazdanbakhsh’s lab are truly exciting and novel.” 

“This research builds on her team’s continued work developing novel approaches for treating vaso-occlusive episodes and modifying the course of SCD”, commented Jay Mohr, Chief Business Officer at New York Blood Center Enterprises.

NYBCe demonstrates outstanding direction in SCD management through its diverse set of humanitarian programs. The organization combines elite NIH-grant-funded research with their innovation of PreciseMatch®, which brings together patients with donors through advanced genomic testing and artificial intelligence beyond ABO and Rh typing. NYBCe works together with community SCD organizations to both increase blood accessibility and deliver education services and support for the families impacted by the disease.