Understanding how blood cell clots cause lung injury in sickle cell disease
Official title: Pulmonary arteriole occlusion by platelet-neutrophil micro-emboli in Acute Chest Syndrome
Funded at Versiti Wisconsin, INC. · NIH-11016187 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how certain tiny clots in the lungs can make Acute Chest Syndrome worse for people with Sickle Cell Disease, and it hopes to find new ways to prevent or lessen this serious condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Versiti Wisconsin, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | January 26, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $511,476 |
| NIH project number | 7R01HL128297-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11016187 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease who have experienced vaso-occlusive episodes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of lung injury not related to Sickle Cell Disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind Acute Chest Syndrome (ACS), a severe lung condition that affects patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). It focuses on how micro-emboli formed by aggregates of platelets and neutrophils contribute to lung injury during vaso-occlusive episodes. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to identify specific inflammatory signaling pathways that can be targeted for new therapies. The goal is to develop treatments that can prevent or reduce the occurrence of ACS in SCD patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly reduce the incidence of Acute Chest Syndrome in patients with Sickle Cell Disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in reducing pain episodes in SCD patients through targeted therapies, indicating potential success for similar approaches.
Where this research is happening
-
Versiti Wisconsin, INC.
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sundd, Prithu — Versiti Wisconsin, INC.
- Study coordinator: Sundd, Prithu
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.