Cellular redox balance and the cleanup of inflamed arteries
Official title: Cellular Reductive State Regulates Inflammation Resolution
Funded at Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport · NIH-11449555 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in people is not involved yet, but the grant explores how boosting antioxidant balance could help the body clear dead cells in arteries and reduce inflammation tied to atherosclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Shreveport, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $732,705 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL182844-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11449555 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with or at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease who have issues with oxidative stress or impaired antioxidant capacity, as studied in model systems and translational contexts.
✕Less likely to help
People without atherosclerosis or oxidative stress may not directly benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
This project looks at how the balance between reduced and oxidized glutathione, a key antioxidant, affects the signals that control how well dead cells are cleared from atherosclerotic plaques. By testing changes in the GSH:GSSG ratio, the researchers aim to understand how MerTK signaling mediates efferocytosis and inflammation resolution. The work includes mouse models of atherosclerosis to see how altered glutathione handling impacts disease progression and whether making cells more reductive can restore proper efferocytosis and reduce inflammation. The results could point toward therapies that support antioxidant capacity to promote plaque stability and vascular health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could identify new ways to enhance the body's cleanup of dead cells in plaques, potentially slowing inflammation and progression of atherosclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows that oxidative stress and impaired efferocytosis are linked to worse plaque inflammation, with some approaches improving clearance in preclinical models; this study tests a novel connection to MerTK signaling.
Where this research is happening
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Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport
Shreveport, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pattillo, Christopher Bruce — Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport
- Study coordinator: Pattillo, Christopher Bruce
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.