How HDL and apoE help anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells survive
Role of apoE in HDL-mediated enhanced survival of human regulatory T-cells
Researchers are looking at whether apoE inside “good” HDL cholesterol helps regulatory T cells — the immune cells that calm inflammation — live longer, which could help people with heart and metabolic conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11250122 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use human blood samples to isolate regulatory T cells and different HDL particles, then expose the cells to HDL components such as apoE to see which parts help the cells survive. They will measure cell survival, activation of the AKT signaling pathway, and signs of mitochondrial stress to understand how protection happens. Some work will use human cells in the lab and may include supportive animal experiments to confirm mechanisms. The team aims to identify the specific HDL proteins that keep these anti-inflammatory cells alive so future therapies can mimic that effect.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with cardiovascular disease, diabetes or metabolic syndrome, or adults willing to donate blood for research may be eligible to participate in related sample-donation or clinic-based activities.
Not a fit: People with health issues that are not driven by chronic inflammation, such as some isolated genetic disorders without immune involvement, are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to boost anti-inflammatory T cells and lower chronic inflammation in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Early laboratory results, including the team's own preliminary data, indicate HDL can improve regulatory T cell survival, but turning this into patient therapies is still at an early, unproven stage.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shah, Amy Sanghavi — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Shah, Amy Sanghavi
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.