Blood Science Update|In Vitro Erythropoiesis: The Emerging Potential of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)

Blood Science Update|In Vitro Erythropoiesis: The Emerging Potential of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)

Despite over 100 million units of blood being donated annually, supply remains insufficient, particularly for patients with chronic conditions or in crisis settings. Alloimmunization and blood group incompatibilities further constrain transfusion efficacy. In response, researchers are exploring the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to generate red blood cells (RBCs) in vitro as a reliable and potentially limitless source of transfusable cells. The journal Blood Science (2025) presents a comprehensive review of the current progress, challenges, and future directions of iPSC-derived erythropoiesis.
Blood Science Update|Enhancing Hemophilia A Gene Therapy: Strategic F8 Deletions in AAV8 Vectors

Blood Science Update|Enhancing Hemophilia A Gene Therapy: Strategic F8 Deletions in AAV8 Vectors

Hemophilia A is a chronic bleeding disorder resulting from a deficiency in coagulation factor VIII (F8). Current treatment strategies rely on frequent F8 replacement therapy, which is limited by its short half-life, high cost, and the risk of inhibitor development. Gene therapy using adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8) has emerged as a promising modality, offering liver-targeted, long-term transgene expression. This article recently published in Blood Science investigates whether targeted deletions adjacent to the furin cleavage site of F8 can enhance the therapeutic efficacy and safety of AAV8-delivered BDDF8 constructs in a murine model of hemophilia A.