I wonder about the risks of using an immortalised adult erythroid line (BEL-A) as a source of functional RBCs for human transfusion. Even if RBCs are “terminal cells” there may be some risks of “transfusing” an “immortalised phenotype”.
Interesting question Pedro. The answer to your very valid question depends on one thing- how dissimilar the phenotype including surface membrane characteristics, cellular antigen expression (not just blood group antigens), cytoplasmic contents (Hb, enzymes, mitochondria....) and senescence properties of the immortalised cells to that of 'normal' RBC. If any of these show any difference, then we can expect to see problems not only with the function of the cell (oxygen transfer) but also its lifespan and, more importantly, the immunological consequences. Don't forget, it may not contain viable nuclear material but it may still contain residual RNA and mitochondrial DNA.
Having said that, in situations of life and death, I suppose one may not worry too much about possible long term theoretical risks.
Best wishes
Siva
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