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Blood transfusions as an immunomodulator--a review
Comparative Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Blood transfusions can prolong organ transplant survival but may also cause immunosuppression. Strategies like immunomodulators or washed red blood cells might prevent these negative effects.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Transplantation Medicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Blood transfusions are known to prolong allograft survival for over 20 years.
- The underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions with T lymphocytes and macrophages.
- Recent findings indicate that transfusion-induced immunosuppression can accelerate tumor growth and increase infection risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore strategies for preventing transfusion-induced immunosuppression.
- To investigate the potential of immunomodulators in mitigating negative transfusion effects.
- To evaluate alternative transfusion methods like using frozen washed red blood cells.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on blood transfusions and immunosuppression.
- Analysis of mechanisms involving T lymphocytes and macrophages.
- Exploration of immunomodulatory agents targeting suppressor T lymphocytes or prostaglandin E.
Main Results:
- Transfusion-induced immunosuppression is linked to increased tumor growth rates.
- This immunosuppression also heightens susceptibility to infectious complications.
- Immunomodulators inhibiting suppressor T lymphocytes or prostaglandin E show potential for prevention.
Conclusions:
- Preventing transfusion-induced immunosuppression is crucial for managing transplant patients.
- Immunomodulatory therapies offer a promising avenue for mitigating adverse effects.
- Further research is needed to validate the efficacy of frozen washed red blood cells.