Sex differences in high blood pressure, thinking skills, and kidney function tied to B cells and autoantibodies
Official title: Sex differences in hypertension, cognitive function and renal hemodynamics; a role for B cells and autoantibodies
Funded at University of Mississippi Med Ctr · NIH-11416476 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research looks at how sex and pregnancy-related antibodies may influence high blood pressure, thinking abilities, and kidney blood flow in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Mississippi Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Jackson, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $497,104 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL170622-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11416476 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with a history of preeclampsia or exposure to AT1-AA–related immune processes, and any patient population studied for B cell and autoantibody activity affecting hypertension.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without hypertension or immune involvement related to AT1-AA may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
The study focuses on how autoantibodies produced by B cells, especially AT1-AA, may drive high blood pressure and brain function changes, with attention to differences between men and women. It uses adult human participants and experimental models to explore how these immune factors affect vascular and cognitive outcomes. The project builds on findings from preeclampsia in pregnancy and examines whether maternal B cells and AT1-AA influence offspring risk of hypertension later in life, including potential sex-specific effects. By testing how blocking AT1-AA alters disease features, the study aims to identify new avenues for therapies that could benefit patients with hypertension linked to immune activity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to immune-targeted strategies to prevent or treat hypertension and related cognitive and kidney issues in adults, particularly in those with a history of preeclampsia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows AT1-AA can contribute to hypertension and organ dysfunction, supporting continued exploration of B cell–mediated mechanisms, though this exact human sex-specific pathway is still being defined.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Mississippi Med Ctr
Jackson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lamarca, Babbette — University of Mississippi Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Lamarca, Babbette
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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.