Understanding GATA3-positive macrophages in heart and blood vessel conditions

The role of GATA3-positive macrophages in cardiovascular pathologies

NIH-funded research Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NIH-11124196

This research explores how specific immune cells called GATA3-positive macrophages contribute to heart and blood vessel diseases like heart attacks and stroke.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-11124196 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Inflammation in blood vessels is a key factor in conditions like atherosclerosis, which can lead to serious heart events. We know that immune cells called macrophages play a big part in these diseases, but there are many different types of macrophages. This project focuses on a newly identified type, GATA3-positive macrophages, which we've found accumulate in the heart after a heart attack and negatively affect heart function. Our goal is to uncover the specific ways these GATA3-positive macrophages work and how they are controlled in cardiovascular diseases. By understanding these mechanisms, we hope to find new ways to protect the heart and blood vessels.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to patients with or at risk for atherosclerosis, arterial injury, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular conditions.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention would not directly benefit from this early-stage basic science research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that target specific immune cells to prevent or reduce damage from heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases.

How similar studies have performed: This work is novel, as it is the first to demonstrate GATA3 expression in macrophages and its role in acute myocardial infarction.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Arterial InjuryAtherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.