How immune cells affect heart health and disease
Official title: Macrophages in Cardiovascular Health
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11011515 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called macrophages affect heart health and disease, especially when faced with risk factors, to find new ways to improve heart health while keeping your immune system strong.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2032 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,127,798 |
| NIH project number | 1R35HL176359-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011515 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for cardiovascular diseases, particularly those with inflammation-related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable cardiovascular health and no risk factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of macrophages, a type of immune cell, in cardiovascular health and disease. It aims to understand how these cells influence inflammation and contribute to cardiovascular conditions, particularly in response to risk factors. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques and analyzing cellular changes, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets that could improve heart health without compromising the body's defense mechanisms. The findings could lead to new treatments that harness the body's immune response to combat cardiovascular diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that improve cardiovascular health by targeting specific immune responses.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in leveraging immune modulation for treating cardiovascular diseases, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nahrendorf, Matthias — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Nahrendorf, Matthias
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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.