How the immune system affects the remodeling of blood vessels used for dialysis.
Official title: Adaptive immunity regulates arteriovenous fistula remodeling
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10983772 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system affects the way blood vessels called arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) develop in patients on dialysis for kidney disease, with the hope of finding better ways to help these blood vessels work well and improve treatment for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | December 12, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $698,659 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL162580-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10983772 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with end-stage renal disease who require hemodialysis and are candidates for arteriovenous fistula creation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require hemodialysis or those with alternative vascular access methods may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the adaptive immune response influences the remodeling of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), which are critical for patients undergoing hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease. By using a mouse model that mimics human AVF maturation, the study explores the biological processes involved in the adaptation of veins to the arterial environment, focusing on factors such as sex differences and chronic kidney disease. The goal is to identify novel strategies to enhance the maturation and functionality of AVFs, ultimately improving patient outcomes during dialysis treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved techniques for creating and maintaining arteriovenous fistulas, enhancing the quality of life for patients requiring hemodialysis.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the immune system in vascular remodeling, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dardik, Alan — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Dardik, Alan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Cardiovascular changes after AV fistula creation and how autophagy affects it
A VA-led project looks at how blood vessel remodeling after AV fistula surgery may be helped by understanding and targeting autophagy.
-
Nanoparticle delivery to prevent AV fistula narrowing
A new nanoparticle-based approach aims to prevent AV fistula narrowing in people with kidney failure who rely on dialysis.
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Molecular control of arterial-to-vein remodeling in fistula maturation
This study explores how vein cells change to help arteriovenous fistulas mature, with the aim of improving outcomes for people needing hemodialysis.
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How the protein calprotectin affects healing of dialysis fistulas
Looking at whether a protein called calprotectin causes narrowing that keeps new dialysis fistulas from becoming usable for people with kidney failure.
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Improving AV fistula longevity by guiding vein remodeling
A research project is exploring how to help veins adapt better when used for hemodialysis access so patients have fewer costly procedures.
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Bioabsorbable wrap to improve AV fistula outcomes
A new bioabsorbable wrap is being studied to help AV fistula surgery heal better and stay open longer for people needing hemodialysis.
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.