How the complement immune system may cause acute chest syndrome in sickle cell disease
Complement in the Pathogenesis of Acute Chest Syndrome
Looks at whether blocking part of the complement immune system can prevent or lessen acute chest syndrome in people with sickle cell disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11158953 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I have sickle cell disease, and the team is focusing on the complement system to understand why acute chest syndrome (ACS) happens. They will measure complement activity in patient samples and use laboratory (preclinical) models to study how complement drives hemolysis, blood vessel injury, and neutrophil activation. The researchers will test whether blocking the alternative complement pathway reduces those damaging effects in models and connect those findings back to what is seen in patients. This work aims to identify targets that could become new therapies to prevent or treat ACS.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with sickle cell disease, especially those with a history of acute chest syndrome or recent hemolysis, would be the most relevant candidates for related clinical efforts.
Not a fit: People without sickle cell disease or whose lung problems have causes unrelated to complement activation are unlikely to benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to targeted treatments that reduce lung injury, hospitalizations, and deaths from acute chest syndrome in sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have performed: Small clinical observations and select patient cases indicate complement blockers can quickly improve hemolysis and symptoms, but larger controlled studies are still needed.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chonat, Satheesh — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Chonat, Satheesh
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.