How stress changes the immune system in atherosclerotic heart and artery disease
Stress-induced immune reprogramming in cardiovascular disease
['FUNDING_P01'] · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NIH-11136998
This project looks at how psychological stress changes immune and blood responses that can speed up artery-clogging disease in people with or at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular 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-11136998 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you take part, researchers will link how your brain senses stress to changes in blood immune cells and artery inflammation using brain imaging, blood tests, and artery imaging. The team combines clinical studies in patients with lab and imaging work to trace cellular and molecular pathways connecting the nervous system, immune system, and blood vessels. Some work uses human samples and translational imaging, while complementary lab studies test specific mechanisms. The goal is to identify targets that could be used later to reduce stress-related heart and vascular risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or those at high risk for artery disease who experience significant psychosocial stress and can attend clinic visits and imaging appointments.
Not a fit: People without atherosclerotic disease or those seeking an immediate therapy may not benefit directly from this mechanistic and translational research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to reduce heart attack and stroke risk by treating stress-driven immune changes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has linked stress to immune changes and early translational imaging studies show promise, but turning these findings into proven treatments is still emerging.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FAYAD, ZAHI A. — ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
- Study coordinator: FAYAD, ZAHI A.
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