# Defining the role of IRF5 in inflammatory hemophagocyte differentiation

> **NIH NIH F32** · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · 2021 · $72,104

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a potentially fatal disorder associated with anemia,
thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia and systemic hyperinflammation. Secondary HLH can be triggered by a
range of diseases, including infections, cancer, or rheumatic disease. When triggered by rheumatic disease, it
is often referred to as macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). HLH/MAS involves a hyperinflammatory
response in which activated macrophages phagocytose red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
Research in the Hamerman lab has revealed a critical role for cell-intrinsic Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 signaling
in the development of inflammatory hemophagocytes, a monocyte-derived macrophage that drives HLH/MAS
in a mouse model. IRF5, which mediates TLR7 signaling in monocytes, contributes to differentiation of these
hemophagocytes in the mouse although the signals driving differentiation of these cells in humans are
unknown. This application aims to elucidate the role of IRF5 in the development of inflammatory
hemophagocytes in both mice (Aim 1) and humans (Aim 2) and to further define the mechanism of cells of the
monocyte lineage in cytokine storm syndromes. The proposed research will result in a better understanding of
the role of myeloid cells in secondary HLH and may provide novel therapeutic targets or approaches. The
fellowship training will take place at the Benaroya Research Institute, which focuses on understanding
immune-mediated diseases, under the guidance of Dr. Jessica Hamerman and Dr. Jane Buckner. The training
plan described in the supporting documents will provide essential steps toward preparing me for a career as an
independent scientist. At the completion of my postdoctoral training, I will be able to transition to independence
as a physician scientist.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10145239
- **Project number:** 1F32HL156516-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- **Principal Investigator:** Susan Priscilla Canny
- **Activity code:** F32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $72,104
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-07-07 → 2022-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10145239

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10145239, Defining the role of IRF5 in inflammatory hemophagocyte differentiation (1F32HL156516-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10145239. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*