Plasma Cell-Free Hemoglobin and Immune Health in HIV
Official title: Plasma Cell-Free Hemoglobin: A Potential Modulator of Immune Dysregulation in HIV
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11411529 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aiming to understand whether fragments of red blood cells in the blood of people with HIV affect immune function and blood vessel health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $431,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HL187010-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11411529 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with HIV who are virologically controlled on antiretroviral therapy and may have elevated inflammation or cardiovascular risk.
✕Less likely to help
If you do not have HIV or are not on effective HIV therapy, this study is not about your health.
What this research studies
This project investigates how cell-free hemoglobin carried in extracellular vesicles from red blood cells might drive chronic inflammation, clotting, and endothelial problems in people living with HIV who are on effective therapy. The team will study how these plasma vesicles interact with endothelial cells and platelets to uncover mechanisms that could raise cardiovascular risk. By using patient samples and relevant lab models, the research seeks to identify new, translational approaches to reduce inflammation and thrombosis in HIV. The work could point toward novel therapies or biomarkers to better protect heart health in PWH.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new strategies to lower cardiovascular risk and improve immune health for people living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies suggest extracellular vesicles and cell-free hemoglobin may influence vascular and immune processes, but this specific link in HIV is exploratory and novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Remy, Kenneth Eugene — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Remy, Kenneth Eugene
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.