Boosting immune cells that clear dead cells to fight artery plaque
Finding and pushing the limits of macrophage efferocytosis in atherosclerosis
This project is trying to boost immune cells' ability to clear dead cells in artery plaques to help people with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321196 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will combine human genetic data with unbiased gene-editing (CRISPR) and imaging screens to find genes and pathways that control how macrophages remove and digest dead cells in artery plaques. They will test candidate genes in human stem-cell–derived macrophages grown in the lab and in transgenic mouse models to study effects on plaque biology. The team will focus not only on the initial “eating” step but also on the later “digestion” steps inside the immune cell, aiming to identify multiple targets. Successful targets would form a pipeline for new therapies to reduce plaque and related heart disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, such as coronary artery disease or carotid artery plaques, would be the most relevant candidates for related clinical work or sample donation.
Not a fit: People without atherosclerosis or whose condition is driven entirely by non-inflammatory causes would be unlikely to benefit directly from these approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that reduce plaque buildup and lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
How similar studies have performed: Some early pro-efferocytic approaches focused on the cell 'eating' step have reached clinical testing, but combining human genomics with digestion-focused functional screens is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Hanrui — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Hanrui
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.