Cell therapy to reduce heart damage after a heart attack
Cell Based Immunomodulation to Promote Post-Infarct Myocardial Repair
This project explores whether implanted cells that release anti-inflammatory proteins can help people recover heart function after a heart attack.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11231258 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers have engineered cells to make anti-inflammatory proteins (IL-10 and IL-1Ra) and packaged those cells inside small alginate capsules to place near injured heart tissue. The capsules are designed to protect the cells from the immune system while allowing continuous, local release of helpful proteins directly at the site of injury. The goal is to reduce inflammation, limit scarring, and improve how the heart pumps after a myocardial infarction. Work combines laboratory and animal studies to refine the implantable cell platform with the aim of eventual use in patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have recently had an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) and are at risk for progressive heart damage would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with long-standing heart failure years after their heart attack, active infections, certain immune disorders, or who cannot undergo a cardiac procedure may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could shrink scar size and improve heart function after a heart attack, lowering the chance of later heart failure.
How similar studies have performed: Cytokine-based therapies and some cell therapies have shown promise in animal and early human work, but sustained local delivery using immune-shielded, encapsulated cells is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ghanta, Ravi K — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Ghanta, Ravi K
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.