Nanoparticles that calm inflammation after artery procedures
Official title: Modulating Inflammatory Macrophages with an Apoptotic Body-inspired Nanoparticle
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11605742 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new nanoparticle inspired by dying cells is being tested to reduce inflammation after artery procedures and help PAD patients heal better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | September 4, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $493,800 |
| NIH project number | 1R56EB037554-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11605742 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with peripheral artery disease undergoing revascularization and at risk of post-procedural inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing revascularization or without inflammatory risk may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project aims to create and test a nanoparticle that mimics features of apoptotic bodies to guide macrophages toward a healing, anti-inflammatory response after arterial procedures. By focusing on the steps macrophages use to recognize, ingest, and tolerate dying cells, the researchers hope to lessen post-intervention inflammation in people with peripheral artery disease. The study will examine how the nanoparticle interacts with immune cells and which components are needed to produce a favorable inflammatory profile. If successful, this approach could lower the need for repeat procedures and improve tissue recovery after revascularization.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience less inflammation after artery procedures and better healing of affected limbs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that apoptotic-cell signals can steer macrophages toward healing, but this exact nanoparticle approach is novel in PAD.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suggs, Laura J — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Suggs, Laura J
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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.