Exploring how macrophages clear dead cells in heart disease
Official title: Finding and pushing the limits of macrophage efferocytosis in atherosclerosis
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11037155 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells help clear out dead cells in the arteries, which is important for heart health, and it hopes to find new ways to treat or prevent heart disease for people with atherosclerosis.
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 start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2032 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $686,640 |
| NIH project number | 1R35HL177389-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11037155 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or those with existing cardiovascular conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiovascular conditions or those not at risk for atherosclerosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of macrophages, a type of immune cell, in clearing dead cells in the context of atherosclerosis, a condition that can lead to heart disease. The approach involves using advanced genomic and imaging techniques to identify and understand the mechanisms that enhance this cell-clearing process, known as efferocytosis. By uncovering these mechanisms, the research aims to develop new therapeutic strategies that could improve heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Patients may benefit from potential new treatments that target these processes to better manage or prevent atherosclerosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that significantly reduce the risk of heart disease for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing macrophage efferocytosis as a therapeutic target, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Hanrui — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Hanrui
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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.