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Surface-anchored framework for generating RhD-epitope stealth red blood cells.
Yueqi Zhao1, Mingjie Fan2,3, Yanni Chen2,3
1Center for Biomaterials and Biopathways, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
Science Advances
|March 29, 2020
Summary
Researchers engineered RhD-positive red blood cells (RBCs) to mask the Rhesus D antigen. This innovative surface shielding creates stealth red blood cells, addressing critical blood supply shortages for universal transfusion.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Immunology
- Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- Rhesus D (RhD) antigen is a major immunogenic factor on red blood cells (RBCs).
- Shortages of RhD-negative blood are common, and converting RhD-positive to RhD-negative blood is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for masking RhD antigens on RhD-positive RBCs.
- To create 'stealth' RBCs for potential universal blood transfusion applications.
Main Methods:
- Engineered RBCs using a flexible, surface-anchored chemical framework to shield RhD epitopes.
- Evaluated the RhD-epitope stealth characteristics in mouse transfusion and rabbit immunostimulation models.
Main Results:
- The chemical framework effectively obstructed RhD antigens on the RBC surface.
- Engineered RBCs demonstrated stealth characteristics in vivo, confirmed by transfusion and immunostimulation studies.
Conclusions:
- Developed an efficient methodology for engineering cell surfaces for universal blood transfusion.
- Demonstrated the potential of cell surface engineering for transfusion and transplantation medicine.
