Understanding how platelets affect severe malaria and lung damage.
Official title: Defining the role of platelet-mediated glycocalyx breakdown in driving pathogenic CD8 activity during severe malaria.
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-10826336 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how platelets might contribute to lung problems in people with severe malaria, especially by seeing how they work with certain immune cells, and it hopes to find new ways to help patients breathe better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $39,995 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HL172638-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10826336 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from severe malaria, particularly those experiencing respiratory distress.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild malaria or those not affected by respiratory complications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of platelets in causing lung damage during severe malaria, particularly focusing on how they interact with CD8 T cells. By examining the molecular mechanisms behind pulmonary vascular leak, the study aims to uncover how these interactions lead to conditions like malaria-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (MA-ARDS). The research utilizes both human data and mouse models to explore these pathways, with the goal of identifying potential therapeutic targets to improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for severe malaria and related lung complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of platelets in other conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reed, Jenna Susan — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Reed, Jenna Susan
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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.