Investigating how the immune system affects heart cell regeneration after injury
Official title: Complement in the cellular microenvironment during cardiac renewal
Funded at Texas Heart Institute · NIH-10944972 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system helps heart cells heal after damage from heart disease, with the goal of finding new ways to help people recover from heart failure after a heart attack.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Heart Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $97,216 |
| NIH project number | 1K99HL174827-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10944972 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with ischemic heart disease or those who have experienced a myocardial infarction and are at risk of heart failure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-ischemic heart conditions or those who do not have significant heart damage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the immune system, specifically the Complement pathway, influences the regeneration of heart muscle cells after damage from ischemic heart disease. The study examines the interactions between heart cells, cardiac fibroblasts, and macrophages to determine how these cells can be stimulated to proliferate and repair the heart. By exploring the mechanisms that allow heart cells to re-enter the cell cycle, the research aims to develop new therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from heart failure due to heart attacks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that promote heart cell regeneration, potentially reducing the need for heart transplants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in similar approaches to heart regeneration, particularly in animal models, but this specific investigation is novel in its focus on the Complement pathway.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Heart Institute
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Rich Gang — Texas Heart Institute
- Study coordinator: Li, Rich Gang
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.