Cytokines are hypothesized to play a central role in the pathophysiology of IgG-mediated hemolytic transfusion reactions (HTRs), and deeper understanding is required for improving therapy for these events. After establishing well-defined mouse models of HTRs, we tested whether cytokines were involved. Red blood cells (RBCs) from human glycophorin A transgenic (hGPA-Tg) or wild-type (WT) mice were transfused into non-Tg recipients passively immunized with monoclonal antibodies (Mabs). Only transfusions of incompatible RBCs induced IgG-mediated HTRs, exemplified by rapid clearance and hemoglobinuria. Very high plasma levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and lower levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), were induced after incompatible transfusion. No significant changes in IL-10, IL-12, or interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels were observed. The proinflammatory cytokines elaborated in this in vivo mouse model are also implicated in the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and confirm the hypothesis that cytokine storm occurs as a result of HTRs.
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