How stress changes immune cells and worsens heart artery disease
Stress perception and cardiovascular immunology
['FUNDING_P01'] · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NIH-11137006
This project looks at how different kinds of stress change immune cells and blood vessels in people with or at risk for atherosclerotic heart disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11137006 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will trace communication between the brain and blood vessels to see how stress reshapes immune cell behavior during atherosclerosis. They will map brain circuits and peripheral pathways that drive movement and function of monocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes. The team will compare animals and tissues that show resilience to social stress with those that are susceptible to see how those differences affect plaque progression and healing. Findings will combine cellular mapping, tissue analysis, and neuroimmune experiments to pinpoint nodes that could be targeted to protect the heart.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with known atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or those at high risk who experience chronic psychosocial stress would be the best match for related clinical or tissue-donation activities.
Not a fit: People without atherosclerosis or those not experiencing psychosocial stress are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets to reduce stress-driven inflammation and slow or prevent plaque progression in people with atherosclerosis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked stress to worsening heart disease, but mapping specific brain-to-immune pathways that move immune cells into plaques is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SWIRSKI, FILIP K — ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
- Study coordinator: SWIRSKI, FILIP K
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.
Conditions: Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease