How a protein in immune cells may protect arteries from plaque
Official title: Role of PKC Epsilon in Atheroprotection
Funded at Albany Medical College · NIH-11294184 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking at whether a protein called PKC‑epsilon in immune cells helps calm artery inflammation and reduce plaque in people at risk for heart attacks and strokes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albany Medical College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albany, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $205,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI185827-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11294184 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with or at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (for example, high cholesterol or previous heart attack or stroke) would be the most relevant group for related future research.
✕Less likely to help
People without atherosclerosis or with health issues unrelated to artery plaque are unlikely to see direct benefit from this project.
What this research studies
The team uses specially bred mice that lack PKC‑epsilon only in their immune (myeloid) cells and puts them on a high‑cholesterol regimen to produce artery plaque, then compares those mice to normal mice. They measure plaque size and composition, immune cell activity in plaques, and levels of specialized pro‑resolving lipids that help turn off inflammation. By linking how immune cells process oxidized cholesterol to the production of these resolving signals, they aim to identify how PKC‑epsilon promotes healing of artery inflammation. Findings could point to new ways to promote inflammation resolution and reduce atherosclerosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets for therapies that boost the body's ability to resolve artery inflammation and reduce plaque, lowering risk of heart attacks and strokes.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical animal studies have suggested PKC‑epsilon influences inflammation and plaque, but translating this mechanism into proven human treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
-
Albany Medical College
Albany, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lennartz, Michelle R — Albany Medical College
- Study coordinator: Lennartz, Michelle R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Endothelial inflammation memory after sepsis and pneumonia
A scientist is studying how blood vessel cells “remember” sepsis and why survivors get worse when they catch pneumonia, with the goal of finding better ways to reduce organ damage.
-
How common gut bacteria may stop C. difficile from making spores
This project looks at whether common gut bacteria called enterococci can stop C. difficile from making hardy spores that spread infection, which could help people prone to C. difficile infections.
-
Kiss1 neurons in brain regions and how they influence reproduction
A small NIH-funded project looks at how specific brain cells (Kiss1 neurons) affect reproductive hormones in adults.
-
Endothelial genes linked to Alzheimer's progression in male and female brains
Aims to find blood vessel gene targets that change as Alzheimer's progresses, in both men and women, using mouse models to mirror human disease.
-
How tumor stiffness and tissue environment affect HER2 antibody therapy
This project studies how the physical environment inside HER2-positive tumors affects how well HER2-targeting antibodies can reach and engage their target in patients.
-
KCTD11-related CMT neuropathy: uncovering how it damages nerves
We are studying a genetic form of Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease to understand what goes wrong in nerves and support future treatments.
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.