Fc receptor blockade in transfusion medicine
Fcγ receptor (FcγR) blockade can mimic the effects of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and we have developed FcγR blocking strategies which successfully ameliorate ITP in FcγR-humanized mice. There are a number of unmet needs in transfusion medicine, which could benefit from FcγR blockade, including fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT). FNAIT is a severe disease which occurs when a human platelet antigen negative mother carries a fetus displaying the antigen. Fetal platelet destruction in FNAIT is considered to occur via FcγRs and thus FcγR blockade could be an effective treatment. In addition, HLA class I antibodies
can also be implicated in FNAIT (as well as platelet transfusion-induced refractoriness) and thus we will also explore if blocking FcγRs could be effective in situations where HLA antibodies are present. Patients with clinically significant transfusion-related erythrocyte alloantibodies, especially those with sickle cell disease can be very challenging to transfuse. We will explore the role of FcγRs and their blockade as a potential therapeutic strategy for these patients.
can also be implicated in FNAIT (as well as platelet transfusion-induced refractoriness) and thus we will also explore if blocking FcγRs could be effective in situations where HLA antibodies are present. Patients with clinically significant transfusion-related erythrocyte alloantibodies, especially those with sickle cell disease can be very challenging to transfuse. We will explore the role of FcγRs and their blockade as a potential therapeutic strategy for these patients.
Principal Investigator / Supervisor
LAZARUS, Alan
Co-Investigator(s) / Trainee
NI, Heyu
GUPTA, Akash
SHEHATA, Nadine
KJELDSEN-KRAGH, Jens
NEWMAN, Peter J.
CSERTI-GAZDEWICH, Christine
RAVETCH, Jeffery
Institution
Canadian Blood Services
Program
Intramural Research Grant Program
Province
Ontario
Total Amount Awarded
$400,000
Project Start Date
Project End Date