Cultured RBCs in vivo and in vitro

Abstract

Blood Transfusion has been the cornerstone of cellular therapy for decades now. The life of many patients depends on finding a compatible blood unit such as trauma patients and anaemic patients with sickle cell disease or thalassemia. Although, the blood transfusion system overall is competent and productive, there is a population of patients for whom it is difficult to find a compatible blood unit. Patients with rare blood types and chronically transfused patients who develop multiple alloantibodies over time fall into this category. Looking into the future an alternative blood product is needed. Therefore, scientists around the globe are developing methods to cultivate erythrocytes in vitro generated from stem cells obtained from different sources. However, it is not an easy task and many challenges stand in the way of the progress. Great accomplishments have been made in this field in the past couple of decades utilising different sources of stem cells and various culturing protocols. Nevertheless, so far, the cultured RBCs are at the reticulocyte stage, the yield is low compared to the regular blood donation volume, safety must be improved to satisfy the good manufacturing practice (GMP) regulations, and the process is exceedingly costly. This literature review aims to demonstrate the progress in the field made by many studies, the advantages and disadvantages of different sources of stem cells and it will point out the challenges yet to overcome and the possible solutions. In addition, it will highlight the studies that show potential for the future of this field.