How immune cells in the kidney (macrophages) grow and help repair tissue
Renal Macrophage Biology
This research looks at where different kidney immune cells come from and how they help or hurt kidney health in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11295434 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my point of view as a patient, researchers are using genetic tracing in mice to follow kidney macrophages over time and see which ones come from before birth versus from bone marrow. They are studying the local kidney environment or “niche” signals that tell these cells to survive, change, or help repair damage. The team will connect findings from mice to human kidney biology to learn which signals could be targeted by future treatments. Results could point to ways to boost helpful repair responses or reduce harmful inflammation in kidney disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with kidney disease or people interested in research on immune-driven kidney injury or repair would be the most directly relevant group.
Not a fit: People without kidney problems or those seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to get direct benefit from this laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that promote kidney repair or reduce damaging inflammation in kidney disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies have identified distinct kidney macrophage types and origins, but turning niche-based findings into proven human therapies remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
New Orleans, United States
- Tulane University of Louisiana — New Orleans, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Qin, Xuebin — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Qin, Xuebin
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.