How immune cells affect high blood pressure
Official title: Immune Modulation in Hypertension
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11045697 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | October 20, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $509,727 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL161212-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045697 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing hypertension.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with hypertension who have contraindications to immune modulation therapies may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Madhur, Meenakshi Swaminathan — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Madhur, Meenakshi Swaminathan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
HEARTS hypertension and diabetes care in Guatemala
This grant tests how well the HEARTS primary care model works in Guatemala to improve blood pressure and blood sugar control for patients.
-
Integrated Heart Health: A HEARTS-based approach to hypertension and diabetes in Guatemala
A study tests a team-based, stepwise care model to improve blood pressure and blood sugar control for people with both hypertension and diabetes in Guatemala.
-
Coaching and Navigation by Community Health Workers via Telehealth for High-Risk Hypertension
A program using telehealth and community health workers to help adults with severe hypertension connect to primary care and follow practical, heart-healthy lifestyle tips.
-
Community Health Worker–Led Hypertension Prevention and Control in Nepal
A community health worker–driven approach in Nepal aims to prevent and control high blood pressure among adults by bringing education and care directly to communities and homes.
-
Community health worker-led hypertension prevention and control in Nepal
A community health worker–led program in Nepal aims to help adults prevent and better control high blood pressure through home visits, education, and ongoing support.
-
Noninvasive portal pressure estimation using ultrasound-based subharmonic signals
A noninvasive ultrasound method to estimate portal vein pressure in adults with cirrhosis to help manage varices and ascites.
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.