Yonsei Med J.  2014 Mar;55(2):304-309.

In-Vitro Stem Cell Derived Red Blood Cells for Transfusion: Are We There Yet?

• Kim HO

Abstract

To date, the use of red blood cells (RBCs) produced from stem cells in vitro has not proved practical for routine transfusion. However, the perpetual and widespread shortage of blood products, problems related to transfusion-transmitted infections, and new emerging pathogens elicit an increasing demand for artificial blood. Worldwide efforts to achieve the goal of RBC production through stem cell research have received vast attention; however, problems with large-scale production and cost effectiveness have yet to prove practical usefulness. Some progress has been made, though, as cord blood stem cells and embryonic stem cells have shown an ability to differentiate and proliferate, and induced pluripotent stem cells have been shown to be an unlimited source for RBC production. However, transfusion of stem cell-derived RBCs still presents a number of challenges to overcome. This paper will summarize an up to date account of research and advances in stem cell-derived RBCs, delineate our laboratory protocol in producing RBCs from cord blood, and introduce the technological developments and limitations to current RBC production practices.

Keyword

CD34+ cell; erythroid culture; in vitro RBC production

MeSH Terms

Blood Substitutes
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Embryonic Stem Cells
Erythrocytes*
Fetal Blood
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Stem Cell Research
Stem Cells*
Blood Substitutes

Figure

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  Fig. 1 The protocol of RBC production from cord blood derived CD34+ cells. SCF, stem cell factor; RBC, red blood cell; EPO, erythropoietin.

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  Fig. 2 The morphology of cells and flowcytometer analyses of the differentiated RBCs from cord blood derived CD34+ cells in vitro culture. RBC, red blood cell; GPA, glycophorin A.

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