Understanding the immune response in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
Official title: Molecular Basis of the Humoral Immune Response in Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia
Funded at Versiti Wisconsin, INC. · NIH-11050870 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system responds to heparin, a blood thinner, to find out more about a serious condition called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), and it aims to help doctors better identify harmful antibodies in patients, even if their regular tests come back normal, so they can prevent serious complications.
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 | June 1, 2019 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $727,901 |
| NIH project number | 2R01HL148120-05A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050870 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients who have received heparin and are suspected of having heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been treated with heparin or do not exhibit symptoms of thrombocytopenia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the immune system reacts to heparin, a common blood thinner, which can lead to a serious condition called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). The study focuses on identifying specific antibodies produced by B cells that can activate platelets and cause dangerous blood clots. By analyzing patient samples, the researchers aim to develop better diagnostic methods to detect these harmful antibodies, even in patients who test negative in standard assays. This could help in preventing severe complications associated with HIT.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved detection and management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, reducing the risk of life-threatening blood clots in affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the immune response in similar conditions can lead to significant advancements in diagnosis and treatment, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Versiti Wisconsin, INC.
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wen, Renren — Versiti Wisconsin, INC.
- Study coordinator: Wen, Renren
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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New ideas to understand, diagnose, and treat heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
A Mayo Clinic led study will look at the different kinds of HIT antibodies to improve diagnosis and treatment for people with HIT.
-
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Immunobiology of vaccine-related clotting after adenovirus vaccines
This research asks how antibodies linked to a rare vaccine-related clotting condition (VITT) interact with specific blood proteins to cause clots after certain COVID-19 vaccines.
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Understanding and diagnosing Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT)
A project to understand the immune factors behind HIT and develop faster, more accurate tests to help people who need heparin therapy.
-
Fetal and neonatal platelet allergy: understanding why some babies bleed
A study to understand why maternal antibodies cause serious bleeding in babies with FNAIT, using an animal model and human-relevant clues to improve future care for affected families.
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Molecular mechanisms behind immune-related low platelets and clots in transfusion medicine
This grant supports a team of researchers to understand how immune factors cause low platelets and abnormal clots, with a focus on transfusion medicine and pediatric to adult patients.
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.