Anti-red blood cell (RBC) antibodies are a critical area of study within transfusion medicine, pregnancy, transplants, cancer, and autoimmunity. RBCs play a vital role in tissue oxygenation, and any reduction in their lifespan, production, or functional capacity can lead to anemia, significantly impacting human health. The human blood system is complex, with 47 defined blood groups and over 350 antigens, leading to significant heterogeneity among individuals in terms of antigen polymorphisms, expression levels, and tissue distribution. Some of these antigens are highly immunogenic, triggering strong immune responses and subsequent antibody production. Anti-RBC antibodies are clinically significant as they can lead to accelerated RBC clearance, hemolysis, and antigen modulation. They pose challenges in medical management by acting as barriers to transplantation, complicating transfusion support, and inducing conditions such as hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). Despite the well-documented effects of anti-RBC antibodies, there remains a need for further research to fully understand the factors and pathways involved in their generation, which is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies.

This research topic aims to explore the fundamental questions surrounding the emergence of anti-RBC antibodies by investigating the underlying mechanisms, pathways, and risk factors. The research will focus on two primary settings: the role of anti-RBC antibodies as autoantibodies in autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and as alloantibodies following RBC antigen exposure. Additionally, the research will encourage the submission of manuscripts that address prophylactic or therapeutic measures in the context of anti-RBC antibodies, aiming to provide comprehensive insights that could lead to the development of targeted interventions.

To gather further insights into the production and consequences of anti-RBC antibodies, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Mechanisms of anti-RBC antibody generation
- Pathways involved in the immune response to RBC antigens
- Risk factors contributing to the development of anti-RBC antibodies
- Clinical implications of anti-RBC antibodies in transfusion medicine
- Strategies for managing patients with anti-RBC antibodies
- Prophylactic and therapeutic approaches to prevent or treat anti-RBC antibody-related conditions
- The impact of anti-RBC antibodies on pregnancy and fetal health
- Advances in diagnostic techniques for detecting anti-RBC antibodies

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Frontiers in Immunology

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