Blocking immune signals to prevent blood clots in antiphospholipid syndrome
Purinergic modulation of the autoimmune vascular phenotype
This project tests whether targeting adenosine-related immune signals and neutrophil activity can reduce clotting and blood-vessel damage in people with antiphospholipid syndrome and related autoimmune conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11238012 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will enroll a deeply-phenotyped group of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and related autoimmune disease to collect blood and clinical data. In the lab they will study patient cells and selected in vitro systems to see how neutrophils, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), and purinergic (adenosine) signaling promote clotting. The team will also use relevant animal models to mimic APS-related thrombosis and test candidate drugs that could be repurposed. The goal is to identify one or two promising existing drugs to bring into the clinic for APS as adjuvant therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome, especially those with prior thrombotic events or pregnancy complications, and patients with lupus who show APS-related features.
Not a fit: People with clotting from causes unrelated to antiphospholipid antibodies or those unwilling to provide blood samples or attend clinic visits are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to existing drugs that lower the risk of breakthrough clots and reduce chronic microvascular damage in people with APS.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory and animal studies have suggested that targeting NETs and purinergic receptors can reduce thrombosis, but translating these findings to patients is still early and not yet proven in clinical trials.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Knight, Jason — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Knight, Jason
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.