NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding how platelets affect CD8+ T cells in sepsis

Official title: Understanding the Platelet-CD8+ T Cell Interactions in Sepsis

Funded at Bloodworks · NIH-11392516 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A study in Seattle will explore how platelets communicate with CD8+ T cells during sepsis and whether this interaction contributes to worsening illness.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBloodworks
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project startAugust 15, 2025
Project endJuly 31, 2030
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$483,144
NIH project number5R35GM160360-02
Project IDNIH-11392516 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Patients with sepsis or a history of sepsis who consent to participate or provide samples.

Less likely to help

Patients not eligible due to enrollment criteria or inability to provide samples may not benefit.

What this research studies

This project looks at the link between platelets and CD8+ T cells in people with sepsis. Researchers will study platelet MHC-I activity and its role in suppressing CD8+ T cells, using both patient samples and animal models. The goal is to see if platelet–CD8+ T cell clusters appear in septic patients and if they predict worse outcomes, and to identify which CD8+ T cell subsets are most affected. The work aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new therapies to prevent chronic critical illness after sepsis.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify new targets to prevent CD8+ T cell suppression and improve recovery after sepsis.

How similar studies have gone: Preliminary work suggests platelet MHC-I involvement in T cell regulation, with potential translational implications for sepsis.

Where this research is happening

  • Bloodworks
    Seattle, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Guo, Li — Bloodworks
  • Study coordinator: Guo, Li

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.