Researchers find immune link to acute chest syndrome in sickle cell

Researchers find immune link to acute chest syndrome in sickle cell

Acute chest syndrome (ACS), a form of lung injury associated with sickle cell disease (SCD), is driven by the abnormal activation of a part of the immune system known as the complement cascade, a study found. The researchers found elevated complement activation in SCD patients, especially in those experiencing ACS. When SCD mice were treated with existing therapies that block complement activation, ACS was prevented. “Our study offers potential …