The Centers for the Investigation of the Factor VIII Immune Response in Patients with Hemophilia A

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has funded 3 centers to support a new U54 initiative titled The Centers for the Investigation of the Factor VIII Immune Response in Patients with Hemophilia A. These centers will utilize cross-disciplinary science and novel technologies to define the basic mechanisms involved in the development of anti-FVIII neutralizing antibodies, also known as FVIII inhibitors, in patients with congenital hemophilia A. In addition, each center will establish a skills development core in order to support the development of interdisciplinary research skills and expertise in the next generation of physicians/scientists in the field of hemostasis, including the entire spectrum of blood sciences. The Emory University Center will also serve as the administrative core.

Emory University

The research in this project is directed towards understanding how these inhibitory antibodies to factor VIII form, which may lead to methods to manage patients with factor VIII inhibitors or to prevent factor VIII inhibitors from developing.

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Pathogenic antibody formation against infused factor VIII in hemophilia A patients is a major complication. This U54 provides a comprehensive investigation of the multiple facets of the immune response to factor VIII. This will be achieved by investigators with diverse and complementary areas of expertise.

Temple University

The completion of this project may lead to understanding of hemophilia inhibitor formation and to train new investigators for hemophilia research. It will lead to novel treatments for hemophilia A patients.