Helping immune cells clear damaged parts inside artery plaques
Sensing and Clearance of Damaged Lysosomes in Macrophages and Atherosclerosis
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11208267
Trying to help immune cells inside artery plaques clear damaged material to slow or prevent atherosclerosis in people at risk for heart attack and stroke.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11208267 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you have artery plaque, this project looks at how macrophages (a type of immune cell) handle damaged lysosomes, the cell compartments that break down waste. The team studies molecules that control lysosome cleanup, including TFEB (a master regulator of cleanup machinery) and Galectin‑3 (a sensor that can be released during cell stress). Work uses cell models and preclinical approaches to see whether boosting lysosomal cleanup in macrophages reduces plaque buildup and harmful inflammation. The goal is to identify targets that could be turned into therapies to stabilize or shrink atherosclerotic plaques.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or who are at high risk for coronary artery disease or stroke would be the most relevant candidates for related future studies.
Not a fit: People without atherosclerosis or whose disease is driven by causes unrelated to macrophage lysosomal dysfunction may not receive direct benefit from this line of work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new treatments that help immune cells clear artery plaque and lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory and animal studies suggest enhancing TFEB in macrophages can protect against plaque, but targeting Galectin‑3 release as a protective approach is more recent and less tested.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RAZANI, BABAK — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: RAZANI, BABAK
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.
Conditions: Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease