Proteostasis and metabolic dysfunction characterize a subset of storage-induced senescent erythrocytes targeted for posttransfusion clearance.

Permanent availability of red blood cells (RBCs) for transfusion depends on refrigerated storage for up to 42 days. During this period, RBC properties are progressively altered, causing decreased transfusion efficacy. These storage lesions are usually evaluated at the whole population level. Using a staining protocol that specifically sorts morphologically-altered and normal RBC subsets, we reveal subset-specific biological networks overwhelmed by metabolic and oxidative stresses during storage that lead to their splenic clearance after transfusion. This study supports the concept that the storage lesion does not affect all RBCs equally and identifies proteostasis as a crucial pathway in their storage quality.

Contact: pascal.amireault@inserm.fr
Link to the article: https://www.jci.org/articles/view/183099