Understanding blood clotting issues linked to certain vaccines
Official title: Multi-scale characterization of antigen-polymerized immune complexes underlying thrombotic pathologies triggered by adenoviral-vectored vaccines
Funded at University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-11057873 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into a rare but serious condition called vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) that can happen after certain COVID-19 vaccines, and the researchers want to understand how the immune system can sometimes cause harmful blood clots so they can find better ways to prevent or treat it for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $601,677 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL174310-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057873 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced adverse thrombotic events following adenoviral-vectored vaccinations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not received adenoviral-vectored vaccines or who do not have a history of thrombotic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a rare but serious condition known as vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), which can occur after receiving adenoviral-vectored vaccines. The team aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that lead to this condition, focusing on how the immune system's response can sometimes cause harmful blood clotting. By combining experimental techniques and modeling, they hope to identify potential therapeutic strategies to prevent or treat VITT, ultimately improving patient safety and outcomes. This work is particularly relevant given the widespread use of adenoviral vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer vaccine designs and better treatment options for patients affected by VITT.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on VITT is relatively novel, similar research into vaccine-related thrombotic conditions has shown promise in understanding and mitigating adverse effects.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hadley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaltashov, Igor a — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Kaltashov, Igor a
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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.