Pathogen and leukocyte nucleic acids (DNA/RNA)

Pathogen and leukocyte nucleic acids in platelet concentrates refer to the DNA and RNA sequences belonging to contaminating microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, parasites) and residual donor white blood cells. These nucleic acids are the molecular targets for Pathogen Reduction Technologies (PRT), which aim to improve the safety of blood transfusions by preventing the replication of infectious agents and the activation of donor leukocytes (AABB, 2023). PRT systems, such as those utilizing amotosalen or riboflavin combined with ultraviolet (UV) light, work by inducing irreversible damage to these nucleic acids through cross-linking or oxidative modifications (FDA, 2014; PMID: 27174597). Because platelets are anucleate and do not rely on DNA replication or extensive RNA translation for their primary hemostatic functions, they remain largely functional after treatment, while the nucleated contaminants are inactivated. This process effectively reduces the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) and transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (TA-GVHD). However, the treatment can lead to a platelet storage lesion, characterized by accelerated metabolic activity and reduced post-transfusion recovery compared to untreated platelets (NIH, 2021).

Other names

Pathogen DNAPathogen RNALeukocyte DNAContaminant nucleic acids in blood componentsGenomic material in platelet concentrates

Photo-induced nucleic acid cross-linking and oxidative modification of guanine bases to inhibit replication and transcription.