Fat-rich TREM2+ immune cells that may drive an enlarged prostate
Official title: Lipid-rich TREM2+ macrophages: a targetable promoter of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Funded at Endeavor Health Clinical Operations · NIH-11339278 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at whether fat-filled immune cells called TREM2+ macrophages cause prostate enlargement and if targeting them could help men with BPH.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Endeavor Health Clinical Operations NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Evanston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $529,928 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK146952-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11339278 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) and bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms who are willing to provide tissue samples or attend clinic visits would be the ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
Men whose urinary symptoms are caused by non-inflammatory issues or men not willing to undergo study procedures are less likely to benefit from this work.
What this research studies
The researchers will study prostate tissue from men and use mouse models to follow how TREM2+ macrophages collect fat and interact with prostate cells. In lab-grown prostate cell systems they will compare effects of TREM2+ versus TREM2- macrophages and use mice lacking Trem2 to see how symptoms change. They will examine the role of the CD36 receptor and fat-making/breakdown pathways and test whether blocking these pathways or related inflammatory signals reduces prostate growth. The goal is to identify a specific way to reduce prostate enlargement and ease urinary symptoms by targeting these immune cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new, more specific treatments that shrink the prostate or relieve urinary symptoms by targeting fat-rich immune cells instead of broadly altering hormones or urine flow.
How similar studies have gone: Prior human and mouse work showed that blocking TNF can reduce prostate enlargement, but specifically targeting lipid-rich TREM2+ macrophages is a newer and mostly untested approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Endeavor Health Clinical Operations
Evanston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vickman, Renee E. — Endeavor Health Clinical Operations
- Study coordinator: Vickman, Renee E.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Enhanced patient-reported tools to guide easy, real-time decisions for benign prostatic hyperplasia
A clinical project will use patient-reported symptom surveys to help doctors choose the best treatments for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
-
Noninvasive treatment for enlarged prostate tissue
This study is testing a new, gentle ultrasound treatment called histotripsy to help break down tough tissue in the prostate that causes urinary problems for older men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), aiming to make treatment easier and quicker without the need for surgery.
-
Sonablate HIFU Registry for Prostate Cancer and BPH
This registry collects real-world data from men treated with Sonablate HIFU to see how well it works and how it affects urinary and sexual function over the long term.
-
Tamsulosin alone vs. tamsulosin with tadalafil for troublesome urinary symptoms from enlarged prostate
This study tests whether adding tadalafil to tamsulosin helps men with BPH see better urinary symptoms and quality of life, using two tadalafil doses over 12 weeks.
-
MRI-DTI look at the urethral sphincter ring and prostate base shape
This imaging study tests how the male urethral internal sphincter ring appears on MRI-DTI and how it relates to prostate base morphology in men undergoing clinically indicated MRI.
-
Tamsulosin With or Without Tadalafil for a Trial Without Catheter After Acute Urinary Retention
This study tests whether adding tadalafil to tamsulosin helps men with a first episode of acute urinary retention due to enlarged prostate pass urine without needing a catheter.
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.