NIH-funded research U01 cooperative agreement

Platelets and immune problems after radiation

Official title: Platelets in radiation-induced immune dysregulation

Funded at Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis · NIH-11361071 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This grant studies how platelets may worsen immune problems after radiation exposure and tests platelet-based ideas to protect immune function and organs like the gut and heart.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of Arkansas for Med Scis
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Little Rock, United States)
Project startJuly 25, 2022
Project endMay 31, 2027
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$636,257
NIH project number5U01AI170039-05
Project IDNIH-11361071 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

People who have or may experience radiation exposure and related immune or organ complications could be affected by future advances from this work.

Less likely to help

The study is highly focused on basic mechanisms and may not directly benefit individuals who have no exposure to radiation or immune disorders.

What this research studies

If radiation exposure occurs, this project looks at how platelets interact with immune cells to drive immune dysregulation. Researchers will explore platelet-derived particles and platelet–leukocyte interactions to understand their role in ongoing immune problems after radiation. They will test platelet-centered strategies to reduce immune dysfunction and organ damage, focusing on the intestine and heart. The work involves experiments that could translate to new ways to prevent or lessen radiation-related immune complications.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new platelet-based approaches to mitigate immune dysregulation and protect organs after radiation exposure.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown platelets influence immune responses, but applying platelet-centered countermeasures to radiation-induced immune dysregulation is still an evolving area with proof-of-concept needed.

Where this research is happening

  • Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
    Little Rock, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Pathak, Rupak — Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
  • Study coordinator: Pathak, Rupak

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.