Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) awarded Boston Children's Hospital a $1.73 million Project Grant (CFDA 93.837: Cardiovascular Diseases Research) effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, to conduct fundamental research on emperipolesis as a driver of platelet heterogeneity and function. The project delivers scientific research services investigating how neutrophil-megakaryocyte interactions (emperipolesis) generate functionally distinct "hybrid platelets" with enhanced pro-coagulant properties. The research employs advanced methodologies including novel screening systems, advanced imaging, and proteomics to identify molecular pathways mediating emperipolesis and characterize transferred proteins and lipids between neutrophils and megakaryocytes.

The award supports two integrated research aims: (1) elucidation of emperipolesis cell biology and the nature of transferred material through pathway identification and advanced visualization, beginning with preliminary findings on IL-1B and CD41 ligation signaling; and (2) characterization of the pro-coagulant phenotype of hybrid platelets, the inflammatory effects on platelet abundance, and the in vivo thrombotic effects of emperipolesis-derived platelets using a silk fibroin platelet bioreactor platform. These research deliverables advance understanding of platelet functional heterogeneity and its mechanisms, with implications for cardiovascular disease mechanisms and thrombotic disorders.