Macrophage roles in heart disease and fat-related conditions
Official title: Macrophage Dysfunction in Atherosclerosis and Cardiometabolic Diseases
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11323529 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A multi-project program looks at how immune cells called macrophages contribute to heart disease, obesity, and fatty liver, with the aim of finding new ways to prevent and treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2017 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $2,516,567 |
| NIH project number | 5P01HL131481-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11323529 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, obesity, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease who are interested in future therapeutic developments.
✕Less likely to help
People without cardiometabolic disease or those not affected by macrophage-related pathways may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This NIH program brings together several projects to understand how macrophages change in different body tissues during cardiometabolic diseases. It explores how tissue environment and signals reprogram macrophages in fat tissue, liver, and blood vessels, and how these changes drive atherosclerosis, obesity, and NASH. By studying mechanisms of interorgan communication and immune-metabolic interactions, the team hopes to identify new targets to reduce cardiovascular risk. The work combines insights from metabolism, inflammation, and tissue biology to illuminate how macrophages influence disease progression. Results could guide future therapies aimed at limiting plaque buildup and liver-related metabolic problems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new strategies to prevent heart attacks and metabolic diseases by targeting macrophage pathways.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that macrophage behavior affects atherosclerosis and metabolic disease; this program seeks to extend those findings to new tissue contexts and mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fisher, Edward a — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Fisher, Edward a
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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.