Why blood clots happen in heparin‑induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)
Complement and thrombosis in HIT
This project looks at whether blocking a part of the immune system called complement can lower the risk of dangerous blood clots in people with heparin‑induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249530 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine how immune complexes formed with platelet factor 4 (PF4) and heparin trigger the complement system and cause clotting. They will use blood samples and laboratory models to compare immune reactions that occur when heparin is present versus when antibodies bind directly to cells. The team will study how these reactions make white blood cells, platelets, and blood vessel cells become more likely to cause clots. Their work will also test ways to block complement-driven steps that lead to clot formation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people diagnosed with heparin‑induced thrombocytopenia or those who recently received heparin and have developed HIT antibodies.
Not a fit: People without HIT or whose clotting is caused by other conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to treatments that reduce clotting risk and improve outcomes for people with HIT.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies, including prior work from this team, suggest complement‑targeting may help, but clinical benefit in patients with HIT is not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arepally, Gowthami M — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Arepally, Gowthami M
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.