Cultured CD71+ erythroid cells modulate the host immune response

• Published in: Transfusion medicine (Oxford, England) England), 2023-06, Vol.33 (3), p.257-262
• Main Authors: Alshalani, Abdulrahman, Beuger, Boukje M., Bruggen, Robin, Acker, Jason P., Juffermans, Nicole P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cells, Cultured; Erythrocytes; Erythroid Cells; Humans; Immunity; immunomodulation; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; red blood cells; reticulocytes
• ISSN: 0958-7578; 1365-3148
• DOI: 10.1111/tme.12964

Objective The study aimed to determine the impact of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) on T cell proliferation and host response following whole blood stimulation. Background Culturing RBCs is a potential solution for donor shortage. The impact of immature cultured RBCs which express CD71+ on host immune response is not known. Methods/Materials PBMCs were seeded in an erythroid expansion medium. CD71+ cells were isolated at days 14 and 21 of culture and incubated with either purified T cells or with LPS‐stimulated whole blood. Controls were incubated with medium. Results At day 9, the percentage of cells that expressed CD45 and CD71 reached to the highest level (32.9%, IQR; 26.2–39.05) while the percentage of cells that expressed CD71 and CD235a reached to the highest level on day 17 (70.2%, IQR; 66.1–72.8). Incubation of T cells with days 14 CD71+ cells and day 21 CD71+ cells increased T cell proliferation. In a whole blood stimulation assay, day 21 CD71+ cells, but not day 14 CD71+ cells, inhibited the production of IL‐6 and TNFα. Conclusion Cultured erythroid cells can modulate the immune response by promoting T cell proliferation and inhibiting cytokine secretions following whole blood stimulation.