Targeting integrin signaling to reduce inflammation in atherosclerosis
Official title: Targeting Integrin Signaling in Atherosclerosis
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11451332 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A drug-discovery program aims to reduce inflammatory risk in people with atherosclerosis by interrupting how immune cells communicate through integrins.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $101,464 |
| NIH project number | 7R33HL168737-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11451332 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease who have residual inflammatory risk.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without inflammatory activity or those not suitable for future inflammatory-targeted therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This program focuses on atherosclerosis, a leading cause of heart disease and stroke, by exploring how integrin signaling controls inflammatory IL-1β production in plaques. Researchers plan to identify and validate drug targets and early lead molecules that can dampen residual inflammation beyond lipid lowering. The work involves translating basic biology into potential small molecules or biologics that could slow disease progression and lower heart-or-stroke risk. Participants would be considered in the broader patient population as future trials or samples feed into the development pipeline.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could yield new treatments that reduce cardiovascular events by targeting inflammation in atherosclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous trials show that anti-inflammatory strategies can reduce cardiovascular events, supporting a translational path for inflammation-targeted therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Woodside, Darren G — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Woodside, Darren G
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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.