How brain immune cells influence pulmonary hypertension
Neuroimmune axis contribution to the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension
This work looks at whether immune cells in a brain region cause nerve overactivity that makes pulmonary hypertension worse for people with the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11138676 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use laboratory models to see how immune cells called microglia change nerve signals in a brain area that controls the heart and lungs. They will focus on a microglia subtype marked by the molecule TREM2 and use imaging, cell-targeting, and cell-removal techniques to change microglia behavior. The team will measure effects on nerve activity and on signs of pulmonary hypertension to link brain changes to lung blood pressure. These experiments aim to find new targets that could guide future treatments for people with PH.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension are the patient group most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People without pulmonary hypertension or those whose PH is driven primarily by non-neuroimmune factors are unlikely to benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatment targets in the brain that reduce harmful nerve overactivity and improve outcomes for people with pulmonary hypertension.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies link neuroinflammation to cardiovascular problems, but targeting TREM2+ microglia in pulmonary hypertension is a relatively new and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oliveira, Aline Cristina — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Oliveira, Aline Cristina
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.