Stem Cells Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Stem Cells, including details on research, transplants, therapy, benefits.

Ex vivo Production of Human Red Blood Cells From Hematopoietic Stem Cells: What Is the Future in Transfusion?

Douay L, Andreu G

Inserm, Unit 832, Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris6; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Armand Trousseau, Service d'hématologie biologique, Paris, France; Institut National de la Transfusion Sanguine, Paris, France.

There is difficulty in obtaining adequate supplies of blood components, as well as disappointing performance of stabilized or recombinant hemoglobins, limited indications of oxygen transporters (perfluorocarbons), and slow development of "universal" red blood cells (RBCs). There is, therefore, a need for complementary sources of RBCs for transfusion. Thus, an attempt to generate erythroid cells in vitro makes good sense. We describe in this article a methodology permitting the massive ex vivo production of mature human RBCs having all the characteristics of native adult RBCs from hematopoietic stem cells of diverse origins: blood, bone marrow, or cord blood. This protocol allows both the massive expansion of hematopoietic stem cells/progenitors and their complete differentiation to the stage of perfectly functional mature RBCs. The levels of amplification obtained (10(5) to 2 x 10(6)) are compatible with an eventual transfusion application. We discuss in this article the state of the art of this new concept and evoke possible obstacles that need to be overcome to pass from a laboratory model to clinical practice. We analyze its possible indications in the medium and long term, discuss the economic aspects, and raise the question: Can we afford the luxury of developing this approach, one that could represent a considerable advance in blood transfusion?

Published 2 April 2007 in Transfus Med Rev, 21(2): 91-100.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Stem Cells Research Today. All Rights Reserved.