Understanding how platelets affect the immune system after radiation exposure
Platelets in radiation-induced immune dysregulation
This project looks at how tiny blood cells called platelets might cause immune problems after someone is exposed to radiation, and aims to find ways to protect the body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11085126 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
When people are exposed to high levels of radiation, their immune system can be harmed, leading to long-term health issues and organ damage. Currently, there are no approved medicines to help fix these immune problems in radiation victims. This work explores how platelets, which are small cells in our blood, play a role in this immune system damage. We want to find new ways to use or target platelets to protect the immune system and vital organs like the intestines and heart after radiation exposure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for individuals who have been exposed to high doses of ionizing radiation and are at risk for immune disorders or organ damage.
Not a fit: Patients who have not been exposed to high doses of ionizing radiation or do not have related immune dysregulation would likely not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that protect people from severe immune system damage and organ failure after radiation exposure.
How similar studies have performed: Currently, there are no FDA-approved drugs specifically designed to mitigate immune dysregulation in radiation victims, making this a novel area of therapeutic exploration.
Where this research is happening
Little Rock, United States
- Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis — Little Rock, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pathak, Rupak — Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
- Study coordinator: Pathak, Rupak
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 below.