Blocking a heart enzyme with an antibody to prevent heart failure after a heart attack
Targeting a ectonucleotidase in the heart with a monoclonal antibody to prevent post-infarct heart failure
An antibody that blocks an enzyme called ENPP1 in the heart aims to reduce scarring and lower the chance of heart failure after a heart attack.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126764 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You had a heart attack and your heart responds by making an enzyme called ENPP1 that fuels inflammation and scar formation. Researchers at UCLA are using a lab-made monoclonal antibody to block ENPP1 in laboratory and animal models to see if this reduces damage and preserves heart muscle. The team combines genetic loss-of-function data with antibody treatment experiments to measure inflammation, scarring, and heart function after injury. If these preclinical results are promising, the work could move toward human testing and new treatments to prevent post-heart-attack heart failure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who recently had a myocardial infarction (heart attack) and are at risk of adverse remodeling or future heart failure would be the ideal candidates for related future trials.
Not a fit: People without a recent heart attack or those with long-standing, advanced chronic heart failure are unlikely to benefit from this prevention-focused approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce scar formation after a heart attack and lower the risk of developing heart failure.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting remodeling pathways after heart attack has shown promise in animal models and some human trials for other targets, but ENPP1-directed antibody therapy is a novel and largely preclinical approach.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deb, Arjun — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Deb, Arjun
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.