Targeting the eNAMPT/TLR4 Pathway to Treat Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Protect the Right Heart
Official title: Novel Involvement of eNAMPT/TLR4 Signaling in PAH Vascular Remodeling and Right Ventricular Dysfunction
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11412707 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are testing a new approach to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension by blocking a specific inflammatory signal (eNAMPT/TLR4) that affects blood vessels and the heart.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $946,678 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL141387-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11412707 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with pulmonary arterial hypertension who could benefit from therapies targeting inflammation and vascular remodeling.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without PAH or those not affected by the eNAMPT/TLR4 pathway may not benefit from this specific approach.
What this research studies
This project focuses on how a signaling cascade involving eNAMPT and TLR4 drives harmful changes in the lung's blood vessels and the right side of the heart in PAH. Researchers will study how this pathway affects endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and immune cells, and how mechanical forces in the lungs influence this process. The work combines molecular studies and animal or human-derived samples to explore whether interrupting this signal can halt vascular remodeling and improve right ventricular function. If successful, the findings could lead to therapies that address the underlying inflammation and remodeling in PAH. The study is supported by an NIH grant and collaborates with the University of Florida to translate lab findings toward potential patient treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new therapy that slows or reverses lung vessel remodeling and protects heart function in PAH patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests that eNAMPT/TLR4 signaling contributes to inflammatory remodeling in PAH, supporting potential benefit but clinical translation remains in early stages.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garcia, Joe G. N. — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Garcia, Joe G. N.
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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.