Investigating how immune cells affect blood vessel health in high blood pressure.
Official title: Stromal interaction molecule 1, immune cells, and vascular pathology in established hypertension
Funded at Old Dominion University · NIH-11123676 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells might affect blood vessel health in people with high blood pressure, and it hopes to find new ways to improve their condition by testing healthy immune cells in animal models.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Old Dominion University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Norfolk, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $16,879 |
| NIH project number | 6R01HL151616-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11123676 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with established hypertension who have not responded well to current treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with normal blood pressure or those whose hypertension is well-controlled may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms that lead to vascular problems in patients with established hypertension. It explores how certain immune cells, particularly Treg cells, interact with blood vessels and how their dysfunction may contribute to high blood pressure complications. By studying the role of stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) in these immune cells, the research aims to identify potential targets for new treatments that could improve vascular function and structure in hypertensive patients. The approach includes transferring healthy immune cells into animal models to observe changes in vascular health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve blood vessel function and reduce complications for patients with hypertension.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting STIM1 in Treg cells is novel, similar studies have shown promise in improving vascular health through immune modulation.
Where this research is happening
-
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Matrougui, Khalid — Old Dominion University
- Study coordinator: Matrougui, Khalid
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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.