Pathogen reduction (PRT)

Pathogen reduction refers to a set of clinical technologies and processes designed to inactivate infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites, within donated blood components [FDA, 2023]. Rather than acting on a specific host protein or receptor, these technologies typically target the nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) of potential pathogens to prevent their replication and subsequent transmission to transfusion recipients [AABB, 2022]. Common methodologies utilize photoactive compounds such as amotosalen or riboflavin which, when activated by specific wavelengths of ultraviolet light, induce irreversible cross-linking or oxidative damage to genomic material [Schubert et al., 2018; PubMed, 2020]. This approach serves as a critical safety layer for the blood supply, particularly against emerging pathogens that may not be covered by routine screening assays [NIH, 2021]. However, pathogen reduction is classified as a therapeutic methodology or process rather than a traditional molecular target in drug discovery [StatPearls, 2023]. Key therapeutic challenges include balancing the thoroughness of pathogen inactivation with the preservation of the functional and structural integrity of blood cells and plasma proteins [PMC, 2019].

Other names

Pathogen reduction technologyPathogen inactivationPRBlood pathogen reductionPathogen inactivation technology

Inactivation of microbial replication through the damage or cross-linking of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) using photoactive agents and ultraviolet light or chemical treatments [FDA, 2023; Schubert et al., 2018].