A Genome-Wide Screen for Large-Effect Alloimmunization Susceptibility Loci among Red Blood Cell Transfusion Recipients with Sickle Cell Disease

A genome-wide association study of alloimmunization in the TOPMed OMG-SCD cohort identifies a locus on chromosome 12

BACKGROUND

Red cell alloimmunization after exposure to donor red cells is a very common complication of transfusion for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), resulting frequently in accelerated donor red blood cell destruction. Patients show substantial differences in their predisposition to alloimmunization, and genetic variability is one proposed component. Although several genetic association studies have been conducted for alloimmunization, the results have been inconsistent, and the genetic determinants of alloimmunization remain largely unknown.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in 236 African American (AA) SCD patients from the Outcome Modifying Genes in Sickle Cell Disease (OMG-SCD) cohort, which is part of Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed), with whole-genome sequencing data available. We also performed sensitivity analyses adjusting for different sets of covariates and applied different sample grouping strategies based on the number of alloantibodies patients developed.

RESULTS

We identified one genome-wide significant locus on chr12 (p = 3.1e-9) with no evidence of genomic inflation (lambda = 1.003). Further leveraging QTL evidence from GTEx whole blood and/or Jackson Heart Study PBMC RNA-Seq data, we identified a number of potential genes, such as ARHGAP9, STAT6, and ATP23, that may be driving the association signal. We also discovered some suggestive loci using different analysis strategies.

DISCUSSION

We call for the community to collect additional alloantibody information within SCD cohorts to further the understanding of the genetic basis of alloimmunization in order to improve transfusion outcomes.

Genetic Variation and Sickle Cell Disease Severity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Importance

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a monogenic disorder, yet clinical outcomes are influenced by additional genetic factors. Despite decades of research, the genetics of SCD remain poorly understood.

Objective

To assess all reported genetic modifiers of SCD, evaluate the design of associated studies, and provide guidelines for future analyses according to modern genetic study recommendations.

Data Sources

PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched through May 16, 2023, identifying 5290 publications.

Study Selection

At least 2 reviewers identified 571 original, peer-reviewed English-language publications reporting genetic modifiers of human SCD phenotypes, wherein the outcome was not treatment response, and the comparison was not between SCD subtypes or including healthy controls.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Data relevant to all genetic modifiers of SCD were extracted, evaluated, and presented following STREGA and PRISMA guidelines. Weighted z score meta-analyses and pathway analyses were conducted.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Outcomes were aggregated into 25 categories, grouped as acute complications, chronic conditions, hematologic parameters or biomarkers, and general or mixed measures of SCD severity.

Results

The 571 included studies reported on 29 670 unique individuals (50% ≤ 18 years of age) from 43 countries. Of the 17 757 extracted results (4890 significant) in 1552 genes, 3675 results met the study criteria for meta-analysis: reported phenotype and genotype, association size and direction, variability measure, sample size, and statistical test. Only 173 results for 62 associations could be cross-study combined. The remaining associations could not be aggregated because they were only reported once or methods (eg, study design, reporting practice) and genotype or phenotype definitions were insufficiently harmonized. Gene variants regulating fetal hemoglobin and α-thalassemia (important markers for SCD severity) were frequently identified: 19 single-nucleotide variants in BCL11A, HBS1L-MYB, and HBG2 were significantly associated with fetal hemoglobin (absolute value of Z = 4.00 to 20.66; P = 8.63 × 10-95 to 6.19 × 10-5), and α-thalassemia deletions were significantly associated with increased hemoglobin level and reduced risk of albuminuria, abnormal transcranial Doppler velocity, and stroke (absolute value of Z = 3.43 to 5.16; P = 2.42 × 10-7 to 6.00 × 10-4). However, other associations remain unconfirmed. Pathway analyses of significant genes highlighted the importance of cellular adhesion, inflammation, oxidative and toxic stress, and blood vessel regulation in SCD (23 of the top 25 Gene Ontology pathways involve these processes) and suggested future research areas.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of all published genetic modifiers of SCD indicated that implementation of standardized phenotypes, statistical methods, and reporting practices should accelerate discovery and validation of genetic modifiers and development of clinically actionable genetic profiles.

Alloantigen Copy Number as a Critical Factor in RBC Alloimmunization

RBC alloimmunization remains a significant barrier to ongoing transfusion therapy leading to morbidity, and in extreme cases mortality, due to delayed or insufficient units of compatible RBCs. In addition, the monitoring and characterization of alloantibodies, often with multiple specificities in a single patient, consumes substantial health care resources. Extended phenotypic matching has mitigated, but not eliminated, RBC alloimmunization and is only logistically available for specialized populations. Thus, RBC alloimmunization remains a substantial problem. In recent decades it has become clear that mechanisms of RBC alloimmunization are distinct from other antigens and lack of mechanistic understanding likely contributes to the fact that there are no approved interventions to prevent RBC alloimmunization from transfusion. The combination of human studies and murine modeling have identified several key factors in RBC alloimmunization. In both humans and mice, immunogenicity is a function of alloantigen copy number on RBCs. Murine studies have further shown that copy number not only changes rates of immunization but the mechanisms of antibody formation. This review summarizes the current understanding of quantitative and qualitative effects of alloantigen copy number on RBC alloimmunization.

An overview of red blood cell and platelet alloimmunisation in transfusion

Post-transfusion alloimmunisation is the main complication of all those observed after one or more transfusion episodes. Alloimmunisation is observed after the transfusion of red blood cell concentrates but also of platelet concentrates. Besides alloimmunisation due to antigens carried almost exclusively by red blood cells such as those of the Rhesus-Kell system, alloimmunisation often raises against HLA antigens; the main responsibility for that, apart from platelet transfusions, lies with residual leukocytes in the products transfused, hence the central importance of effective leukoreduction right from the blood product preparation stage. Alloimmunization is not restricted to transfusion, but it is also observed during pregnancies, carrying out microtransfusions of blood from the fetus immunizing the mother through the placenta (in a retrograde way). Preexisting maternal-fetal immunization can complicate a transfusion program and intensify the creation of alloantibodies in several blood and tissue group systems. The occurrence of autoantibodies, created by several pathogenic reasons, can also interfere with the propensity of certain recipients of blood components to produce alloantibodies. The genetic condition of individuals is in fact strongly linked to the ability or not to recognize antigenic variants foreign to their own biological program and mount an alloimmune response. Some hemoglobin diseases, in carriers of which transfusions can be iterative and lifelong, are complicated by frequent alloimmunizations and amplification of the complications of these alloimmunizations, imposing even stricter transfusion rules. This review details the mechanisms favoring the occurrence of alloimmunization and the immunological principles for the production of molecular and cellular tools for alloimmunization. It concludes with the main preventive measures available to limit the occurrence of these frequent complications of varying severity but sometimes severe.

Expression of the immune checkpoint receptors CTLA-4, LAG-3, and TIM-3 in β-thalassemia major patients: correlation with alloantibody production and regulatory T cells (Tregs) phenotype

Alloimmunization is a serious complication in β-thalassemia major patients as a result of repeated blood transfusion. The immune checkpoint receptors play an important role in regulating immune system homeostasis and the function of the immune cells. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3), and T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein-3 (TIM-3) immune checkpoint molecules in β-thalassemia major patients with and without alloantibody. For this purpose, 68 β-thalassemia major patients with (34 patients) and without (34 patients) alloantibody as well as 20 healthy controls were enrolled. The expression of these genes was evaluated in different groups of patients by SYBR Green real-time PCR method. Our results showed that the mean expression of LAG-3 was significantly increased in thalassemia patients compared to the control group (*P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in expression of the CTLA-4 and TIM-3 as well as LAG-3 genes between patients with and without alloantibody (P > 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between the level of LAG-3 expression with markers associated with Treg function including FOXP3 and GDF-15 genes in β-thalassemia major patients. Taken together, the LAG-3 molecule might have a more prominent role in the abnormality of the immune system in thalassemia patients especially the function of regulatory T cells (Tregs), prior to the CTLA-4 and TIM-3 genes.

Hemolysis inhibits humoral B-cell responses and modulates alloimmunization risk in patients with sickle cell disease

Red blood cell alloimmunization remains a barrier for safe and effective transfusions in sickle cell disease (SCD), but the associated risk factors remain largely unknown. Intravascular hemolysis, a hallmark of SCD, results in the release of heme with potent immunomodulatory activity, although its effect on SCD humoral response, specifically alloimmunization, remains unclear. Here, we found that cell-free heme suppresses human B-cell plasmablast and plasma cell differentiation by inhibiting the DOCK8/STAT3 signaling pathway, which is critical for B-cell activation, as well as by upregulating heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) through its enzymatic byproducts, carbon monoxide and biliverdin. Whereas nonalloimmunized SCD B cells were inhibited by exogenous heme, B cells from the alloimmunized group were nonresponsive to heme inhibition and readily differentiated into plasma cells. Consistent with a differential B-cell response to hemolysis, we found elevated B-cell basal levels of DOCK8 and higher HO-1-mediated inhibition of activated B cells in nonalloimmunized compared with alloimmunized SCD patients. To overcome the alloimmunized B-cell heme insensitivity, we screened several heme-binding molecules and identified quinine as a potent inhibitor of B-cell activity, reversing the resistance to heme suppression in alloimmunized patients. B-cell inhibition by quinine occurred only in the presence of heme and through HO-1 induction. Altogether, these data suggest that hemolysis can dampen the humoral B-cell response and that B-cell heme responsiveness maybe a determinant of alloimmunization risk in SCD. By restoring B-cell heme sensitivity, quinine may have therapeutic potential to prevent and inhibit alloimmunization in SCD patients.

Back to base pairs: What is the genetic risk for red bloodcell alloimmunization?

Red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization is a serious complication of blood transfusions, challenging selection of compatible units for future transfusions. Genetic characteristics may be associated with the risk of RBC alloimmunization and may therefore serve to identify high-risk patients. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the available evidence on genetic risk factors for RBC alloimmunization. Electronic databases were searched up to April 2020 for studies (Search terms included transfusion, alloimmunization and genetic). A total of 2581 alloimmunized cases and 26,558 controls were derived from 24 studies. The alleles that were most frequently studied and that demonstrated significant associations in a meta-analysis with alloimmunization to the Duffy^a antigen were HLA-DRB1*04 (Odds Ratio 7.80 (95%CI 4.57-13.33)), HLA-DRB1*15 (OR 3.76 (95%CI 2.14-6.59)), and HLA-DRB1*03 (OR 0.12 (95%CI 0.05-0.29)). Furthermore, significant associations with anti-K formation was found for the alleles HLA-DRB1*10 (OR 2.64 (95%CI 1.41-4.95)), HLA*DRB1*11 (OR 2.11, (95%CI 1.34-3.32)), and HLA-DRB1*13 (OR 1.71 (95%CI 1.26-2.33)). Overall, the available evidence was of moderate to low quality, hampering interpretation of reported results. There is an urgent need for high quality evidence on genetic risk factors for RBC alloimmunization.

Red blood cell alloimmunization and sickle cell disease: a narrative review on antibody induction

The high prevalence of red blood cell (RBC) alloantibodies in people with sickle cell disease (SCD) cannot be debated. Why people with SCD are so likely to form RBC alloantibodies, however, remains poorly understood. Over the past decade, a better understanding of non-ABO blood group antigen variants has emerged; RH genetic diversity and the role this diversity plays in RBC alloimmunization is discussed elsewhere. Outside of antigen variants, the immune systems of people with SCD are known to be different than those of people without SCD. Some of these differences are due to effects of free heme, whereas others are impacted by hyposplenism. Descriptive studies of differences in white blood cell (WBC) subsets, platelet counts and function, and complement activation between people with SCD and race-matched controls exist. Studies comparing the immune systems of alloimmunized people with SCD to non-alloimmunized people with SCD to race-matched controls without SCD have uncovered differences in T-cell subsets, monocytes, Fcγ receptor polymorphisms, and responses to free heme. Studies in murine models have documented the role that recipient inflammation plays in RBC alloantibody formation, with human studies reporting a similar association. Murine studies have also reported the importance of type 1 interferon (IFNα/β), known to play a pivotal role in autoimmunity, in RBC alloantibody formation. The goal of this manuscript is to review existing data on factors influencing RBC alloantibody induction in people with SCD with a focus on inflammation and other immune system considerations, from the bench to the bedside.

FcγR2B B2.4 haplotype predicts increased risk of red blood cell alloimmunization in sickle cell disease patients

BACKGROUND

Red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization is an important transfusion complication which is prevalent among sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. Autoimmune diseases are a known risk factor for RBC alloimmunization, suggesting that autoimmunity and post-transfusion alloantibody development occur through similar physiopathological pathways. Polymorphisms in the FcγR2B gene have already been associated with several autoimmune disorders and hypothetically could be associated with RBC alloimmunization. Our goal was to evaluate if important polymorphisms of FcγR2B have an impact on the risk of RBC alloimmunization among SCD patients.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a case-control study in which alloimmunized and non-alloimmunized SCD patients were compared in terms of the genotype frequency of the FcγR2B polymorphisms -386G/C, -120 T/A, and 695C/T, genotyped through direct Sanger sequencing.

RESULTS

A total of 237 patients met the eligibility criteria, 120 cases (alloimmunized) and 117 controls (non-alloimmunized). RBC alloimmunization was associated with female sex (p < 0.001), lifetime number of RBC units transfused (p = 0.002) and 120 T/A FcγR2B genotype (p = 0.031). The FcγR2B promoter region haplotype 2B.4 (386C120A) was positively associated with RBC alloimunization (p = 0.045). The logistic regression (LR) model identified female sex (OR 10.03, CI 95% 5.16-19.49; p < 0.001) and FcγR2B 2B.4 haplotype (OR 4.55, CI95% 1.1118.65; p = 0.035) as independent predictors of RBC alloimmunization in SCD patients.

CONCLUSION

SCD patients with the FcγR2B 2B.4 haplotype had over a fourfold higher risk for RBC alloimmunization. This highlights the role played by FcγR2B on RBC alloimmunization and may be helpful in identifying the immune responders.

A locus on chromosome 5 shows African ancestry-limited association with alloimmunization in sickle cell disease

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion remains a critical therapeutic intervention in sickle cell disease (SCD); however, the apparent propensity of some patients to regularly develop RBC alloantibodies after transfusion presents a significant challenge to finding compatible blood for so-called alloimmunization responders. Predisposing genetic loci have long been thought to contribute to the responder phenomenon, but to date, no definitive loci have been identified. We undertook a genome-wide association study of alloimmunization responder status in 267 SCD multiple transfusion recipients, using genetic estimates of ancestral admixture to bolster our findings. Analyses revealed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on chromosomes 2 and 5 approaching genome-wide significance (minimum P = 2.0 × 10^-8 and 8.4 × 10^-8, respectively), with local ancestry analysis demonstrating similar levels of admixture in responders and nonresponders at implicated loci. Association at chromosome 5 was nominally replicated in an independent cohort of 130 SCD transfusion recipients, with meta-analysis surpassing genome-wide significance (rs75853687, P _meta = 6.6 × 10^-9), and this extended to individuals forming multiple (>3) alloantibodies (P _meta = 9.4 × 10^-5). The associated variant is rare outside of African populations, and orthogonal genome-wide haplotype analyses, contingent on local ancestry, revealed genome-wide significant sharing of a ∼60-kb haplotype of African ancestry at the chromosome 5 locus (Bayes Factor = 4.95). This locus overlaps a putative cis-acting enhancer predicted to regulate transcription of ADRA1B and the lncRNA LINC01847, both members of larger ontologies associated with immune regulation. Our findings provide potential insights to the pathophysiology underlying the development of alloantibodies and implicate non-RBC ancestry-limited loci in the susceptibility to alloimmunization.

Identification of genetic biomarkers for alloimmunization in sickle cell disease

Most sickle cell disease (SCD) patients rely on blood transfusion as their main treatment strategy. However, frequent blood transfusion poses the risk of alloimmunization. On average, 30% of SCD patients will alloimmunize while other patient groups form antibodies less frequently. Identification of genetic markers may help to predict which patients are at risk to form alloantibodies. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether genetic variations in the Toll-like receptor pathway or in genes previously associated with antibody-mediated conditions are associated with red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization in a cohort of SCD patients. In this case-control study, cases had a documented history of alloimmunization while controls had received ≥20 RBC units without alloantibody formation. We used a customized single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panel to genotype 690 SNPs in 275 (130 controls, 145 cases) patients. Frequencies were compared using multiple logistic regression analysis. In our primary analysis, no SNPs were found to be significantly associated with alloimmunization after correction for multiple testing. However, in a secondary analysis with a less stringent threshold for significance we found 19 moderately associated SNPs. Among others, SNPs in TLR1/TANK and MALT1 were associated with a higher alloimmunization risk, while SNPs in STAM/IFNAR1 and STAT4 conferred a lower alloimmunization risk.

Transfusion-related red blood cell alloantibodies: induction and consequences

Blood transfusion is the most common procedure completed during a given hospitalization in the United States. Although often life-saving, transfusions are not risk-free. One sequela that occurs in a subset of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion recipients is the development of alloantibodies. It is estimated that only 30% of induced RBC alloantibodies are detected, given alloantibody induction and evanescence patterns, missed opportunities for alloantibody detection, and record fragmentation. Alloantibodies may be clinically significant in future transfusion scenarios, potentially resulting in acute or delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions or in difficulty locating compatible RBC units for future transfusion. Alloantibodies can also be clinically significant in future pregnancies, potentially resulting in hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. A better understanding of factors that impact RBC alloantibody formation may allow general or targeted preventative strategies to be developed. Animal and human studies suggest that blood donor, blood product, and transfusion recipient variables potentially influence which transfusion recipients will become alloimmunized, with genetic as well as innate/adaptive immune factors also playing a role. At present, judicious transfusion of RBCs is the primary strategy invoked in alloimmunization prevention. Other mitigation strategies include matching RBC antigens of blood donors to those of transfusion recipients or providing immunomodulatory therapies prior to blood product exposure in select recipients with a history of life-threatening alloimmunization. Multidisciplinary collaborations between providers with expertise in transfusion medicine, hematology, oncology, transplantation, obstetrics, and immunology, among other areas, are needed to better understand RBC alloimmunization and refine preventative strategies.

Challenges in preventing and treating hemolytic complications associated with red blood cell transfusion

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion support represents a critical component of sickle cell disease (SCD) management. However, as with any therapeutic intervention, RBC transfusion is not without risk. Repeat exposure to allogeneic RBCs can result in the development of RBC alloantibodies that can make it difficult to find compatible RBCs for future transfusions and can directly increase the risk of developing acute or delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions, which can be further complicated by hyperhemolysis. Several prophylactic and treatment strategies have been employed in an effort to reduce or prevent hemolytic transfusion reactions. However, conflicting data exist regarding the efficacy of many of these approaches. We will explore the challenges associated with predicting, preventing and treating different types of hemolytic transfusion reactions in patients with SCD in addition to describing future strategies that may aid in the management of the complex transfusion requirements of SCD patients.

Whole-exome sequencing of sickle cell disease patients with hyperhemolysis syndrome suggests a role for rare variation in disease predisposition

BACKGROUND

Hyperhemolysis syndrome (HHS) is an uncommon, but life-threatening, transfusion-related complication of red blood cell transfusion. HHS has predominantly been described in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) and is difficult to diagnose and treat. The pathogenesis of HHS, including its occurrence in only a subset of apparently susceptible individuals, is poorly understood. We undertook whole-exome sequencing (WES) of 12 SCD-HHS patients to identify shared genetic variants that might be relevant to the development of HHS.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

DNA from adults with SCD having at least one previous episode of HHS were subject to WES. High-quality variants were passed through a series of bioinformatics filters to identify variants that were uncommon among African populations represented in public databases. Recurrent, putative loss-of-function variants occurring in biologically plausible genes were prioritized and then genotyped in a larger, ancestry-matched cohort of non-HHS controls.

RESULTS

A rare, heterozygous stop-gain variant (p.Glu210Ter) in MBL2 was significantly enriched among HHS cases (p = 0.002). This variant is predicted to result in a premature termination codon that escapes nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, potentially leading to a novel phenotype. We also observed a complex insertion-deletion variant in the final exon of KLRC3 that was enriched among cases (p = 0.0019), although neither variant was found among seven pediatric SCD-HHS patients.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest a potential role for rare genetic defects in the development of HHS among adult SCD patients. Such enriched variants may ultimately be useful for identifying high-risk individuals and informing therapeutic approaches in HHS.

Understanding red blood cell alloimmunization triggers

Blood group alloimmunization is "triggered" when a person lacking a particular antigen is exposed to this antigen during transfusion or pregnancy. Although exposure to an antigen is necessary for alloimmunization to occur, it is not alone sufficient. Blood group antigens are diverse in structure, function, and immunogenicity. In addition to red blood cells (RBCs), a recipient of an RBC transfusion is exposed to donor plasma, white blood cells, and platelets; the potential contribution of these elements to RBC alloimmunization remains unclear. Much attention in recent years has been placed on recipient factors that influence RBC alloantibody responses. Danger signals, identified in murine and human studies alike as being risk factors for alloimmunization, may be quite diverse in nature. In addition to exogenous or condition-associated inflammation, autoimmunity is also a risk factor for alloantibody formation. Triggers for alloimmunization in pregnancy are not well-understood beyond the presence of a fetal/maternal bleed. Studies using animal models of pregnancy-induced RBC alloimmunization may provide insight in this regard. A better understanding of alloimmunization triggers and signatures of "responders" and "nonresponders" is needed for prevention strategies to be optimized. A common goal of such strategies is increased transfusion safety and improved pregnancy outcomes.

Transfusion of older red blood cell units, cytokine burst and alloimmunization: a case-control study

Background

Experimental data have shown that the transfusion of older red blood cell units causes alloimmunization, but the clinical applicability of this statement has never been properly assessed in non-sickle cell patients. It has been hypothesized that older units have higher numbers of cytokines, increasing the risk of alloimmunization related to antigen-presenting events. The goal of this study was to evaluate the association between the transfusion of older red blood cell units subjected to bedside leukodepletion and alloimmunization.

Methods

All patients submitted to transfusions of bedside leukodepletion red blood cell units proven to have become alloimmunized in one oncologic service between 2009 and 2013 were enrolled in this study. A control group was formed by matching patients without alloimmunization in terms of number of transfusions and medical specialty. The median age of transfused units, the percentage of transfused red blood cell units >14 days of storage in relation to fresher red cell units (≤14 days of storage) and the mean age of transfused units older than 14 days were compared between the groups.

Results

Alloimmunized and control groups were homogeneous regarding the most relevant clinical variables (age, gender, type of oncological disease) and inflammatory background (C-reactive protein and Karnofsky scale). The median age of transfused red blood cell units, the ratio of older units transfused compared to fresher units and the mean age of transfused units older than 14 days did not differ between alloimmunized and control patients (17 vs. 17; 68/32 vs. 63.2/36.8 and 21.8 ± 7.0 vs. 21.04 ± 7.9; respectively).

Conclusion

The transfusion of older red blood cell units subjected to bedside leukodepletion is not a key risk factor for alloimmunization. Strategies of providing fresh red cell units aiming to avoid alloimmunization are thus not justified.