CD4 T Cells and Schistosoma-Related Pulmonary Hypertension
Official title: Activation, Phenotype and Function of CD4 T Cells in Schistosoma-Pulmonary Hypertension
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11606578 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to understand how specific immune cells behave in a lung complication caused by schistosomiasis, with the goal of finding targets to prevent or treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2016 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $96,617 |
| NIH project number | 3R01HL135872-10S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11606578 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with schistosomiasis at risk of developing PAH or patients with confirmed Schistosoma-associated PAH for biospecimen analysis.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without schistosomiasis or PAH are unlikely to benefit from this specific translational research.
What this research studies
Researchers are using a mouse model of Schistosoma-related pulmonary hypertension to map how CD4 T cells and their interactions with innate immune signals drive vascular changes. They will examine how Th2-activated CD4 T cells recruit inflammatory monocytes and activate latent TGF-β, contributing to remodeling of lung vessels. The project also includes analysis of human biospecimens to identify proteins linked to PAH in people with severe schistosomiasis and to translate findings toward human relevance. By studying adaptive and innate immunity together, the work aims to reveal new mechanisms that could be targeted in patients with Schistosoma-associated PAH.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: insights from this work could lead to new therapies that prevent or reduce lung vessel damage in schistosomiasis-related PAH.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown immune pathways linking schistosomiasis to PAH in animal models, with translational steps planned in this project.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Graham, Brian Barkley — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Graham, Brian Barkley
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how CD4 T cells fuel schistosomiasis-related lung disease
A study explores how specific immune cells and inflammatory signals in schistosomiasis may contribute to pulmonary hypertension in people affected by the disease.
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CD4 T Cells, Schistosoma, and Pulmonary Hypertension: Understanding How Immune Cells Drive Disease
A human-health focused study uses a mouse model and human samples to explore how immune cells and inflammation may contribute to a lung blood vessel disease linked to schistosomiasis.
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A pediatric-focused study will use wearable activity trackers and cloud-based data analysis to help predict when a child with pulmonary hypertension may worsen.
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.