How immune cells (macrophages) affect APOL1-linked kidney damage
Macrophages and attenuation of inflammation resolution in APOL1 nephropathy
['FUNDING_R01'] · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11370599
This work looks at whether APOL1 gene differences common in people of African ancestry change immune cell behavior and speed kidney damage.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11370599 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers will use immune cells made from human stem cells and specially engineered mice to see how APOL1 G1 and G2 gene variants change macrophage behavior in the kidney. They will compare macrophages made from cells with the risk variants to those without the variants in the same genetic background. The team will measure inflammation, scarring, and healing signals to understand how these cells contribute to kidney injury and poor recovery. These lab and animal experiments aim to point to cellular mechanisms that could be targeted to slow disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who self-identify as Black or of African ancestry with APOL1 G1 or G2 gene variants and signs of proteinuric chronic kidney disease would be the most directly relevant group.
Not a fit: Patients without APOL1 risk variants or whose kidney disease has a clearly different cause may not benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new treatments that reduce kidney inflammation and slow progression to kidney failure for people with APOL1 risk variants.
How similar studies have performed: Human genetics have already shown APOL1 G1/G2 raise kidney disease risk, but studying how macrophages drive that process is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KAPITSINOU, PINELOPI P. — NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: KAPITSINOU, PINELOPI P.
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.