Understanding the platelet-CD8+ T cell interactions in sepsis

Active Project Grant Awarded Last action

Award ID
R35GM160360
Recipient
Awarding agency
Obligated
$987,788

Award facts

Assistance listing
93.859 Biomedical Research and Research Training
Completion date 25% complete
Place of performance
Seattle, WA 98104, USA

Award details come from USAspending.gov.

Description

Abstract
Sepsis remains a significant global health threat due to its high mortality rate and substantial economic burden. Nearly half of septic patients develop chronic critical illness (CCI), characterized by prolonged organ dysfunction and increased susceptibility to infections. T cell suppression, particularly CD8+ T cell suppression, is a key driver of CCI. Large gaps in understanding the pathogenesis of CCI have hindered its early identification and the development of effective therapies. Our recent work on platelets during sepsis revealed that major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) antigen presentation and T cell regulating pathways are among the most significantly altered pathways in platelets. We further discovered that platelets actively internalize, degrade, and cross-present antigens via MHC-I to CD8+ T cells. Using platelet lineage specific MHC-I deficient mice, we found that platelet MHC-I plays a major role in CD8+ T cell suppression during sepsis. This research program further investigates the clinical impact of platelet mediated CD8+ T cell suppression and explores the mechanism of MHC- I mediated platelet-CD8+ T cell interactions in sepsis-associated CCI. The goals for our laboratory's research program over the next five years include the following: 1) determining whether platelet-CD8+ T cell aggregates are present in sepsis patients and whether they are associated with adverse outcomes; 2) characterizing which CD8+ T cell subsets are involved and how their functions differ from those of platelet-free CD8+ T cells; and 3) elucidating the structure and molecular mechanisms underlying these platelet-T cell interactions and their impact on CD8+ T cell function during sepsis. This research program addresses a critical GAP in our understanding of sepsis pathogenesis. By investigating the previously unexplored relationship between MHC-I mediated platelets and CD8+ T cells, we aim to pave the way for improved long- term management strategies for sepsis.

Transactions

Action Obligated Date
Amendment $483,144
Original award $504,644

Quick answers

Who received award R35GM160360?

R35GM160360 was awarded to Bloodworks by National Institute of General Medical Sciences (National Institutes of Health) on August 15, 2025.

How much is award R35GM160360 worth?

$987,788 has been obligated on R35GM160360.

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