How high blood pressure affects immune cells and heart disease risk
Official title: Hypertension-associated Trained Immunity in Myeloid Cells is a Determinant of Atherosclerosis
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11134245 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how high blood pressure can change your immune cells in a way that might raise your chances of heart disease, and it aims to help people with hypertension understand how their immune system affects their heart health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $786,060 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL174961-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11134245 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of hypertension or cardiovascular disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without hypertension or those who do not have cardiovascular risk factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how hypertension, or high blood pressure, can lead to long-lasting changes in immune cells that may increase the risk of heart disease. The study focuses on a phenomenon called trained immunity, where immune cells become 'primed' to respond more aggressively to future stimuli after an initial exposure. By examining the effects of hypertension on these immune cells, the researchers aim to understand the underlying mechanisms that contribute to chronic inflammation and atherosclerosis, even after blood pressure is controlled. Patients may be involved in this research to help identify how their immune responses are affected by hypertension and how this relates to their cardiovascular health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing heart disease in patients with hypertension by targeting immune responses.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding trained immunity and its role in various diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Doran, Amanda C — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Doran, Amanda C
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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.