The goal of this initiative is to foster research into the mechanisms whereby HIV infection causes dysfunction, disease and degeneration of vital organs including lungs, heart, and the vasculature. The specific focus is on how HIV infected cells perturb normal structure and function of the endothelium and gain entry into tissue. HIV rarely if ever infects endothelial cells. Therefore, the purpose of this initiative is to examine the mechanisms which mediate endothelial cell damage and to explore the possibility of utilizing the knowledge gained to treat or prevent organ damage. Of particular interest to the NHLBI, are the effects of HIV infection on the lung vasculature and the heart. Kaposi's sarcoma in the lungs and pulmonary hypertension are life-threatening disease seen in AIDS patients . Children and adults with HIV infection frequently develop cardio-vascular complication in the later stages of the disease. Awards will be made in FY98.
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is a common in patients infected with HIV. In one study 9% of HIV-positive drug abusers and 3% of HIV positive homosexual had platelet counts of lower than 1000,000/ul, while no seronegative drug abusers or homosexual were thrombocytopenic. The purpose of the initiative is to improve the understanding of the pathogenesis of thrombocytopenia in general and HIV-related thrombocytopenia in particular. The long term goal of the initiative is to develop better therapeutic approaches for these conditions. Awards will be made in FY98.