Unanswered questions and future research areas for RBC alloimmunization triggers
| Unanswered questions . | Future research areas . |
|---|---|
| What defines a “responder” to RBC antigens in transfusion or pregnancy? | • Identification of reproducible genetic markers of responsiveness |
| • Assessment of unique aspects (signatures) of the innate or adaptive immune systems of responders and nonresponders | |
| • Evaluation of other donor/recipient characteristics that may predispose to responsiveness | |
| What steps can be taken to limit or avoid antibody development in confirmed responders? | • Feasibility of extended genotyped or phenotyped matched units on a large scale |
| • Modification of antigen presentation or modulation of the immune system before antigenic exposure | |
| What other strategies may prevent alloimmunization in transfusion or pregnancy? | • Consideration of tolerance induction strategies |
| • Exploration of antibody-mediated immune suppression |
| Unanswered questions . | Future research areas . |
|---|---|
| What defines a “responder” to RBC antigens in transfusion or pregnancy? | • Identification of reproducible genetic markers of responsiveness |
| • Assessment of unique aspects (signatures) of the innate or adaptive immune systems of responders and nonresponders | |
| • Evaluation of other donor/recipient characteristics that may predispose to responsiveness | |
| What steps can be taken to limit or avoid antibody development in confirmed responders? | • Feasibility of extended genotyped or phenotyped matched units on a large scale |
| • Modification of antigen presentation or modulation of the immune system before antigenic exposure | |
| What other strategies may prevent alloimmunization in transfusion or pregnancy? | • Consideration of tolerance induction strategies |
| • Exploration of antibody-mediated immune suppression |