NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Investigating how immune cells communicate in heart disease

Official title: Mitophagy pathways in cellular cross-talk in the myocardium

Funded at St. Louis VA Medical Center · NIH-10950329 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how immune cells, especially a type called macrophages, interact with heart cells after a heart attack to find new ways to help the heart heal and work better.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSt. Louis VA Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (St. Louis, UNITED STATES)
Project startOctober 1, 2022
Project endSeptember 30, 2026
Funding year2025
NIH project number5I01BX005981-03
Project IDNIH-10950329 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include adults who have experienced a myocardial infarction or have ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-cardiac related health issues or those who have not experienced heart-related conditions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the interactions between immune cells and heart cells in the context of heart disease, particularly after a heart attack. It aims to explore how these immune cells influence heart cell function and structure, especially during the inflammatory response that follows injury. By studying the role of macrophages, a type of immune cell, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic strategies that could improve heart health and recovery. The approach includes examining the mechanisms of cell communication and the impact of inflammation on heart function.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve recovery and heart function in patients with heart disease.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding immune cell roles in heart disease, indicating that this research builds on established findings.

Where this research is happening

  • St. Louis VA Medical Center
    St. Louis, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Diwan, Abhinav — St. Louis VA Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Diwan, Abhinav

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.