Combined liver-cytokine humanization enhances human red blood cell production and survival
In a new study by the Yale Department of Immunobiology and Yale Cancer Center, researchers report combined liver and growth factor humanization enhances human red blood cell production and survival in circulation the immunodeficient murine host. The discovery could help in the development of treatments of life-threatening blood disorders, such as myelodysplastic syndrome, and diseases afflicting red blood cells, including sickle cell disease and malaria. The study is published online today in the journal
Science.
Red blood cell diseases, such as thalassemia and sickle cell disease involve approximately 5% of the population worldwide. Our findings highlight the unique potential of this model in studies of diseases that intricately link red blood cells and the liver, such as malaria.