Project Grant R01HL163637

This Project Grant award from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), under the Cardiovascular Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.837), is focused on characterizing the role of the alternative complement pathway in the pathogenesis of acute chest syndrome (ACS) in sickle cell disease (SCD). The key objectives are to: 1) define the mechanisms by which complement contributes to the development of ACS using novel preclinical models, microfluidics, and in vitro assays; 2) characterize the complement and neutrophil-dependent mechanisms underlying ACS; and 3) evaluate the efficacy of pharmacological inhibitors targeting the alternative and terminal complement pathways to prevent or treat ACS. The total award amount is $1,414,152, with a project period from August 1, 2024 to July 31, 2029. The award includes two sub-awards to Brigham & Women's Hospital ($53,465) and Egleston Children's Hospital at Emory University ($67,561) to support specialized research and clinical services related to the project. The goal is to develop tools to predict ACS likelihood and identify critical therapeutic targets to prevent or treat this life-threatening complication of sickle cell disease.