How the immune system responds to heart injury and inflammation
Official title: Intracellular immunity, cytosolic DNA sensing by cyclic GAMP synthase, and macrophages in ischemic injury and cardiac remodeling
Funded at VA North Texas Health Care System · NIH-10871801 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system reacts to heart injuries caused by reduced blood flow, and it aims to find new ways to help the heart heal better by understanding how certain signals from damaged heart cells can cause inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA North Texas Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2020 |
| Project end | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX004562-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10871801 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced ischemic heart injury or related cardiovascular conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiovascular conditions or those not experiencing ischemic heart injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the immune system, particularly macrophages, responds to heart injury caused by reduced blood flow (ischemia). It focuses on understanding how DNA released from damaged heart cells is recognized by a specific receptor called cyclic GAMP synthase (cGAS), which may lead to inflammation that complicates recovery. By exploring this process, the research aims to develop new therapies that can modulate the immune response to reduce inflammation and improve heart repair. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to innovative treatments for heart conditions linked to inflammation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that reduce inflammation and improve recovery after heart injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting inflammation in cardiovascular diseases, suggesting that this approach may lead to significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
VA North Texas Health Care System
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cao, Dian — VA North Texas Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Cao, Dian
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.