Nucleic acids in pathogens and contaminating leukocytes

Nucleic acids in pathogens and contaminating leukocytes refers to the collective genomic material (DNA and RNA) of infectious agents and residual donor white blood cells found in blood components [1]. In the context of transfusion medicine, these molecules are the primary targets for pathogen inactivation technologies (PIT) designed to ensure the safety of platelets, plasma, and whole blood [2]. By targeting nucleic acids rather than specific proteins or envelopes, these technologies provide a broad-spectrum approach to neutralizing viruses, bacteria, and parasites [3]. They also prevent the proliferation of donor T-cells that cause transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease [3]. Drugs such as amotosalen and riboflavin act as photosensitizers that intercalate into the nucleic acid structure [4]. Upon exposure to ultraviolet light, these compounds induce irreversible damage, such as covalent cross-linking or oxidative strand breaks, which prevents the replication and transcription of the genetic material [5]. This process effectively renders the pathogens and leukocytes non-infectious and immunologically inert while preserving the therapeutic function of the blood component [6].

Other names

Pathogen DNA and RNALeukocyte nucleic acidsGenomic material in blood contaminantsPathogen genetic material

Intercalation and photoactivation-induced covalent cross-linking or oxidative damage of DNA and RNA, preventing replication and transcription.