Reproducible immortalization of erythroblasts from multiple stem cell sources provides approach for sustainable RBC therapeutics

cells, consistently generating lines with similar improved erythroid performance. Extensive characterization of the lines shows them to accurately recapitulate their primary cell equivalents and provides a molecular signature for immortalization. In addition, we show that only cells at a specific stage of erythropoiesis, predominantly proerythroblasts, are amenable to immortalization. Our methodology provides a step forward in the drive for a sustainable supply of red cells for clinical use and for the generation of model cellular systems for the study of erythropoiesis in health and disease, with the added benefit of an indefinite expansion window for manipulation of molecular targets.