Targeting mast cells to prevent deep vein thrombosis

Mechanisms of mast cell-mediated inflammation exacerbating deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that develops within a deep vein in the body, usually in the leg. Large cells found close to blood vessels called mast cells (MCs) are known to be important in DVT, but it is not known what triggers them to become involved. In this fellowship, Dr Brill will explore how mast cells contribute to DVT. In DVT, blood moves around the body more slowly and becomes stagnant in our veins. This causes mast cells to trigger inflammation in the blood vessel wall. What is not yet known is how mast cells are triggered by this blood flow stagnancy and how this leads to inflammation. One of the consequences of stagnancy is low oxygen, usually in the blood vessels and tissues of the limbs. In mice, Dr Brill will study the types of cells that are recruited to the vein as oxygen levels drop. He will also determine the substances that mast cells release to promote DVT. Finally, he will confirm whether mast cells are really involved in human DVT by studying them at in people at various stages of DVT. As mast cells are not directly involved in normal regulation of blood flow, this research could lead to safer anti-clotting drugs that target these intriguing cells.