Investigating how cholesterol affects immune responses in artery disease
Official title: A hypercholesterolemia-induced immunometabolite in atherosclerosis
Funded at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NIH-10988247 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how high cholesterol can cause inflammation in your arteries and lead to heart problems, and it’s testing whether blocking a specific pathway in your body can help prevent these issues, with the hope of finding better treatments for heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2021 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $534,028 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL160860-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10988247 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with high cholesterol levels or those at risk for atherosclerosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have high cholesterol or existing cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between high cholesterol levels and inflammation in the arteries, which can lead to atherosclerosis, a condition that narrows blood vessels. The study focuses on a specific signaling pathway called the Integrated Stress Response (ISR) that becomes activated under conditions like high cholesterol. By using small molecules and genetic models, researchers aim to understand how inhibiting this pathway can prevent the progression of atherosclerosis. The goal is to identify new therapeutic strategies that can effectively treat cardiovascular diseases while minimizing potential side effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that reduce the risk of heart disease by targeting inflammation caused by high cholesterol.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting similar pathways to reduce atherosclerosis, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shah, Prediman Krishan — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Shah, Prediman Krishan
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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.