RBCs that activate neutrophils in sickle cell disease
Official title: RBC Effects on Neutrophil Activation and Phenotypes in Sickle Cell Disease
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11393690 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant tests how red blood cells from people with sickle cell disease make neutrophils more sticky and inflammatory, which could worsen painful events and organ damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $612,491 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL174452-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11393690 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with sickle cell disease whose RBCs may activate neutrophils could be potential beneficiaries of future therapies informed by this research.
✕Less likely to help
The study is focused on biological mechanisms and may not directly benefit participants in the short term.
What this research studies
In this study, researchers at Duke University will examine how sickle cell red blood cells directly trigger neutrophils to become more adhesive and prone to degranulation. They will look at how phosphatidylserine exposure and RBC adhesion receptors influence this activation, and whether exchange transfusion in steady-state reduces neutrophil activation. The goal is to map the specific neutrophil activation profile caused by intact SS RBCs and identify therapies that lessen these RBC-driven neutrophil changes. The work involves experiments with human cells and relevant models to understand a key driver of vaso-occlusion in sickle cell disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to new strategies to prevent neutrophil-driven vaso-occlusion and reduce complications in sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest that RBC-driven neutrophil activation is a real phenomenon, supporting further investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Grace Ming — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Lee, Grace Ming
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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.