Understanding how certain immune cells affect heart disease.
Official title: Molecular regulators of marginal zone B cells in atherosclerosis
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10998154 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called marginal zone B cells help protect against heart disease, specifically atherosclerosis, and it will involve experiments with mice and some genetic tests in people to understand how these cells work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $38,198 |
| NIH project number | 1F30HL176083-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10998154 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a genetic predisposition to atherosclerosis or those diagnosed with cardiovascular disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a history of cardiovascular disease or those not genetically predisposed to atherosclerosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of marginal zone B cells in atherosclerosis, a leading cause of cardiovascular disease. It aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that regulate these immune cells and their protective functions against heart disease. The study will involve experiments on genetically modified mice to observe changes in B cell behavior and how these changes impact the development of atherosclerosis. Additionally, it will explore the effects of specific genetic variations in humans that may influence these immune responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding immune cell functions can lead to significant advancements in treating cardiovascular diseases, suggesting a promising avenue for this study.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ransegnola, Brett — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Ransegnola, Brett
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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.