How heart and lung support pumps may harm infection-fighting white blood cells
High Mechanical Shear Stress-Induced Neutrophil Dysfunction in Mechanically Assisted Circulation
This project looks at whether the strong spinning forces inside ventricular assist devices and ECMO harm neutrophils, the white blood cells that help prevent infections, in people using these devices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249149 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you are on a ventricular assist device (VAD) or ECMO, researchers will compare your neutrophils to see if the high-speed pump forces damage them. They will recreate those mechanical forces in the lab and test how well neutrophils can move, stick to germs, and kill pathogens after exposure. The team will use blood samples and lab assays to identify specific types of cell injury and the molecular steps involved. Findings are intended to point toward ways to protect immune cells and lower infection risk for device-supported patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults receiving mechanical circulatory support (VAD, ECMO, or similar) who can provide blood samples and clinical information.
Not a fit: People who are not using mechanical circulatory support or who cannot travel to participating clinical sites are unlikely to be enrolled or directly benefit in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to protect immune cells and reduce infections in people supported by VADs or ECMO.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work shows high shear can damage some blood cells, but applying these tests specifically to neutrophil function in VAD/ECMO patients is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Zhongjun Jon — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Wu, Zhongjun Jon
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.