How interferon-gamma affects blood vessel metabolism in heart disease
Official title: Endothelial Metabolic Reprogramming by Interferon-gamma in Coronary Artery Disease
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11052585 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein made by immune cells affects the cells that line our blood vessels, which could help us understand how heart disease develops, especially the buildup of plaque in arteries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $169,020 |
| NIH project number | 5K08HL165047-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052585 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with coronary artery disease or those at high risk for developing this condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without coronary artery disease or those with other unrelated cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of interferon-gamma, a protein produced by T-cells, in altering the metabolism of endothelial cells, which line blood vessels, in the context of coronary artery disease. The study aims to understand how these metabolic changes contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries. By examining primary human coronary artery endothelial cells, the research will explore the relationship between immune activation and endothelial dysfunction, potentially leading to new insights into heart disease mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating coronary artery disease by targeting endothelial metabolism.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune modulation in cardiovascular diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Laurel Y — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Lee, Laurel Y
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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.