Immune memory and inflammation in thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections
Epigenetic Regulation of Trained Immunity in Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections
Researchers are looking at whether long-lasting changes in immune cells drive inflammation in people with ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11327350 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at whether monocytes and macrophages keep a persistent, pro-inflammatory "memory" that worsens ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections. Scientists will profile immune cells from patient aortas and blood and from angiotensin II–treated mice using single-cell RNA and epigenetic sequencing to map cell types and gene-regulation changes. They will test how DNA from damaged aortic cells and the cGAMP–STING–IRF3/IRF4 signaling pathway push immune cells toward a pro-inflammatory state. If you take part, you may be asked to provide blood or surgical aortic tissue so your cells can be compared with others.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults with ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm or dissection who can provide blood or, when clinically indicated, aortic tissue samples.
Not a fit: People without thoracic aortic disease or those needing immediate emergency treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets to reduce harmful inflammation and slow or prevent aneurysm growth and dissection.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has linked trained immunity to vascular inflammation in atherosclerosis, but applying these epigenetic mechanisms specifically to thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shen, Ying H. — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Shen, Ying H.
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.