Immune cells and lung high blood pressure in schistosomiasis
Activation, Phenotype and Function of CD4 T Cells in Schistosoma-Pulmonary Hypertension
Looking at whether certain immune cells cause scarring and high blood pressure in the lungs of people with or at risk from schistosomiasis.
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 ID | NIH-11158755 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks for how CD4 T cells and other immune cells drive blood-vessel scarring that leads to pulmonary hypertension after Schistosoma infection. Researchers use a mouse model that reproduces key steps of the disease and then search for the same immune signals in human blood and tissue samples. The team focuses on interactions between T cells, dendritic cells, and recruited monocytes that produce proteins (like thrombospondin-1) which activate scarring pathways. If you have had schistosomiasis or are at risk, you may be asked to provide blood or other samples so scientists can compare findings between mice and people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of schistosomiasis, signs of pulmonary hypertension, or those at high risk who are willing to provide blood or tissue samples would be the best fit.
Not a fit: People whose pulmonary hypertension is caused by unrelated conditions or who cannot provide samples are unlikely to see direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to blood tests or immune-targeted treatments to detect, prevent, or reduce schistosoma-related pulmonary hypertension.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies have identified similar immune pathways in schistosoma-related PH, but applying those findings to human patients is new and not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- 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
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.