Non-conventional signaling by α5 integrin in blood and endothelial cells
Funded at Versiti Blood Health, INC. · NIH-11393157 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how the α5 integrin in blood and blood vessel cells communicates signals that affect cell behavior and may relate to inflammation and blood clotting in infectious diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Versiti Blood Health, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $712,562 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL175474-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11393157 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with blood or vascular conditions or a history of inflammatory or thrombotic complications who may participate in related future studies or sample donation.
✕Less likely to help
This basic science project uses cell models and may not directly benefit all patients.
What this research studies
Researchers will explore how the α5 subunit of the integrin family influences cellular communication and movement in blood and endothelial cells. They will examine how the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 may trigger α5β1–driven tunneling nanotubes and inflammatory responses in human cells. Using model cell lines and primary human cells, the study aims to map the signaling pathways and identify potential links to thrombotic events seen in COVID-19. This project could illuminate new targets to mitigate vascular complications in infected patients. The work is conducted at Versiti Blood Health with Jieqing Zhu leading the efforts over four years.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to better understanding of vascular inflammation and clotting in COVID-19, informing future therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows that integrin signaling can influence intercellular communication and inflammation, supporting potential translational value.
Where this research is happening
-
Versiti Blood Health, INC.
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Jieqing — Versiti Blood Health, INC.
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Jieqing
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.