Autologous red blood cell (RBC)

Autologous red blood cells (RBCs) are a patient's own erythrocytes that are harvested, potentially modified or loaded with therapeutic agents, and re-infused for clinical use (Source: StatPearls, NBK499877). Biologically, these cells are specialized for the transport of respiratory gases, utilizing the protein hemoglobin to bind oxygen in the lungs and release it in peripheral tissues (Source: NIH, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute). In the context of drug delivery, autologous RBCs are utilized as biocompatible, long-circulating carriers to encapsulate drugs such as dexamethasone or enzymes like asparaginase, which protects the cargo from immune clearance and reduces systemic side effects (Source: Journal of Controlled Release, doi:10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.07.018). This technology, often referred to as erythrocyte-mediated drug delivery, is currently employed in clinical trials for conditions like Ataxia-telangiectasia and certain metabolic disorders (Source: Frontiers in Physiology, doi:10.3389/fphys.2018.01317). Additionally, they are used in autologous blood transfusions to mitigate the immunological risks associated with donor-derived blood (Source: Mayo Clinic).

Other names

Autologous erythrocyteSelf-derived red blood cellPatient-derived erythrocyte

Autologous red blood cells function as biocompatible carriers for the encapsulation and controlled release of therapeutic agents, extending their half-life and reducing systemic toxicity (Source: PubMed, PMID: 30254001). They also serve as a replacement for lost blood volume in autologous transfusion to prevent alloimmunization and transfusion-transmitted infections (Source: Mayo Clinic).