How immune cells affect high blood pressure
Immune Modulation in Hypertension
This study is looking at how immune cells can contribute to damage from high blood pressure and is exploring ways to adjust these immune responses to help protect organs like the kidneys, with the hope of finding new treatments for managing hypertension that won't harm your immune system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11045697 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of immune cells in causing damage related to high blood pressure, focusing on how certain immune pathways can lead to inflammation and injury in organs like the kidneys. The team aims to understand how manipulating these immune responses, particularly through a protein called ROCK2, can help restore balance in immune cell types that are currently skewed towards promoting inflammation. By exploring this approach, the researchers hope to develop new therapies that can effectively manage hypertension without compromising the immune system.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing hypertension.
Not a fit: Patients with hypertension who have contraindications to immune modulation therapies may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for high blood pressure that reduce inflammation and organ damage.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of targeting immune pathways in hypertension is relatively novel, preliminary studies in animal models have shown promising results.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Madhur, Meenakshi Swaminathan — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Madhur, Meenakshi Swaminathan
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.