How eosinophils may drive clots and artery disease when LNK is reduced

The role of eosinophil in thrombosis and atherosclerosis in LNK deficiency

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11238984

This research will learn whether eosinophils make blood clots and artery disease worse in people who carry a common LNK/SH2B3 genetic change that raises heart attack and stroke risk.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11238984 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

For patients, the team starts with human genetic findings that link a common LNK/SH2B3 change to higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. They use mice lacking LNK to study how eosinophils, neutrophils, and platelets interact to promote artery plaque and clot formation. In mouse experiments they test whether removing eosinophils with an antibody reduces the accelerated thrombosis seen without LNK. They will also search for blood markers and oxidized lipids that could point to new treatment targets for people at genetic risk.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, especially those known to carry the LNK/SH2B3 R262W variant or who have elevated eosinophil counts, would be the most relevant group.

Not a fit: People whose heart disease is driven mainly by non-inflammatory factors or who do not carry the LNK/SH2B3 variant may be less likely to benefit from eosinophil-focused approaches.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat clots and atherosclerosis in people with the LNK/SH2B3 risk variant by targeting eosinophils or their interactions with platelets and neutrophils.

How similar studies have performed: Animal studies, including the team's LNK-deficient mouse data showing reduced thrombosis after eosinophil depletion, support the idea, but benefit in humans is not yet proven.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.