Investigating the role of complement in causing acute chest syndrome in sickle cell disease
Official title: Complement in the Pathogenesis of Acute Chest Syndrome
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10981678 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of the immune system called the complement system affects acute chest syndrome in people with sickle cell disease, with the goal of finding new treatments that tackle the root causes of this condition instead of just helping with the symptoms.
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 start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $707,076 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL163637-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10981678 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 episodes of acute chest syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with sickle cell disease who do not experience acute chest syndrome may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a specific part of the immune system, known as the complement system, contributes to acute chest syndrome (ACS) in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). The researchers aim to identify the molecular factors that lead to ACS and explore potential new treatments that could directly address the underlying causes rather than just providing supportive care. By studying pre-clinical models and analyzing patient data, they hope to uncover how complement activation affects blood cells and blood vessel function during ACS episodes. This could lead to innovative therapies that improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce the incidence and severity of acute chest syndrome in sickle cell disease patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting the complement system for treating related conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
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.