How eosinophil proteins affect heart enlargement
Role of eosinophil cationic proteins in cardiac hypertrophy
['FUNDING_R01'] · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11127527
This project looks at whether proteins released by eosinophils can help people with enlarged hearts avoid further damage.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11127527 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will compare blood eosinophil counts and levels of eosinophil cationic proteins in people with heart disease to their heart size and outcomes. In the lab, they use mouse models that mimic pressure overload and stress-induced heart enlargement, including mice lacking eosinophils, to see how eosinophil proteins influence heart muscle cells and scarring. The team will study specific eosinophil products such as IL-4 and cationic proteins (mEar1/ECP) to learn if they block heart cell enlargement, reduce cell death, and limit fibrosis. Findings will guide whether boosting or mimicking these proteins could help prevent progression to heart failure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cardiac hypertrophy (enlarged heart), especially those with high blood pressure or early-stage heart dysfunction, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without heart enlargement or those with very advanced, irreversible heart failure are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new treatments or blood tests to help prevent or slow heart failure caused by cardiac enlargement.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies have shown protective roles for eosinophils and their proteins, but human findings have been mixed and the approach remains relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LIBBY, PETER — BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: LIBBY, PETER
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.