Investigating how IL-6 signaling affects the development of atherosclerosis
Official title: Role of IL-6 trans signaling in atherosclerosis development and late-stage pathogenesis
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11046659 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called IL-6 affects the buildup of plaque in blood vessels, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes, and it hopes to find new ways to help prevent or treat this condition for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $725,284 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL164367-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046659 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for atherosclerosis, including those with cardiovascular disease or related inflammatory conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have atherosclerosis or related cardiovascular conditions may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of IL-6 trans signaling in the development and progression of atherosclerosis, a condition that can lead to serious cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes. By examining the inflammatory processes involved, the study aims to identify how targeting IL-6 could potentially alter disease outcomes. The approach includes analyzing the effects of IL-6 on smooth muscle cells and their role in maintaining protective structures in blood vessels. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating atherosclerosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that better manage or prevent atherosclerosis and its complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in targeting inflammatory pathways in atherosclerosis, but this specific approach focusing on IL-6 trans signaling is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Owens, Gary K — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Owens, Gary K
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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.