How red blood cells affect immune cell behavior in sickle cell disease
Official title: RBC Effects on Neutrophil Activation and Phenotypes in Sickle Cell Disease
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10936775 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called neutrophils get activated by sickle red blood cells in people with sickle cell disease, and it hopes to find new treatments that can help reduce this activation and improve health for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $637,526 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL174452-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10936775 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease who experience frequent complications related to inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with sickle cell disease who do not exhibit significant neutrophil activation or related complications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of activated neutrophils, a type of immune cell, in sickle cell disease (SCD) and how they contribute to complications like vaso-occlusion. The study focuses on how sickle red blood cells (RBCs) directly activate neutrophils, leading to increased inflammation and dysfunction. By examining the interactions between sickle RBCs and neutrophils, the research aims to identify potential therapies that could reduce neutrophil activation and improve patient outcomes. Patients may be involved in trials that test these new therapeutic approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that reduce inflammation and improve the quality of life for patients with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that targeting neutrophil activation can lead to improved outcomes in other inflammatory conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach in sickle cell disease.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Grace Ming — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Lee, Grace Ming
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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.