Blood type and immune genes linked to dangerous heparin reactions
Official title: ABO and Immunogenetic Variation in the Pathogenesis of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11098674 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking at whether blood type and certain immune genes explain why some people develop a dangerous drop in platelets after heparin.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $540,699 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL156993-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098674 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people who received heparin—especially those who developed low platelets or had suspected HIT—or anyone willing to donate blood for genetic and immune testing.
✕Less likely to help
People who have never been exposed to heparin or whose conditions are unrelated to blood clots or platelet disorders are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
You would be asked to give blood so researchers can compare people who did and did not develop heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) after receiving heparin. They will search the genome and check blood type, look for the HLA-DRB3*01:01 gene, and sequence specific T-cell receptors to see how immune cells respond. The team will also test PF4/heparin antibodies to distinguish harmless from harmful antibodies and combine genetic and immune data to find predictive biomarkers. Samples and lab tests will come from the University of Arizona and collaborating hospitals to link lab findings with patient histories.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to tests that predict who is at high risk for HIT so clinicians can avoid heparin or take extra precautions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous genetic and immune studies have suggested links between HLA types, T-cell responses, and HIT, but combining large-scale genomics with immune-cell sequencing to identify predictive biomarkers is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karnes, Jason Hansen — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Karnes, Jason Hansen
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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.