Understanding how certain immune cells affect muscle healing in patients with poor blood flow.
Official title: Determining the Role of Spp1+ Macrophages in Muscle Regeneration in Peripheral Arterial Disease
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10984305 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special type of immune cell affects muscle healing in people with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), with the goal of finding new ways to help improve recovery and prevent limb loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $153,252 |
| NIH project number | 1K08HL171949-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984305 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease who are experiencing muscle regeneration issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have peripheral arterial disease or those with advanced stages of the disease where limb loss has already occurred may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific type of immune cell, known as Spp1+ macrophages, in the healing process of muscles in patients suffering from peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The study aims to uncover how these macrophages may hinder muscle regeneration and explore potential new therapies to improve healing and prevent limb loss. By examining the interactions between these immune cells and muscle stem cells, the research seeks to develop innovative cellular therapies that could enhance recovery for patients with PAD. The principal investigator, an experienced surgeon-scientist, will utilize both laboratory experiments and clinical insights to drive this research forward.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve muscle healing and reduce the risk of limb loss for patients with peripheral arterial disease.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of immune cells in muscle regeneration, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights and advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Southerland, Kevin William — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Southerland, Kevin William
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Contrast-free ultrasound to measure tiny blood flow in legs to help PAD
A noninvasive ultrasound approach uses new metrics to quantify microvascular blood flow in the lower leg to aid in diagnosing and managing peripheral arterial disease.
-
Understanding Spp1+ Macrophages and Muscle Healing in Peripheral Artery Disease
This grant supports a physician-scientist in Duke's vascular surgery program to study how a specific macrophage type called Spp1+ macrophages affect muscle healing in people with peripheral artery disease.
-
Reprogrammed Monocytes for improved blood vessel growth in leg PAD
A study to see if reprogramming a patient’s own monocytes can boost new blood vessel growth and improve limb health in people with peripheral artery disease.
-
Targeting Dhcr24 in monocytes to boost blood vessel growth in critical limb ischemia
This grant explores a new way to help people with severe leg artery disease by making certain immune cells grow more blood vessels to improve blood flow.
-
Carnosine and improved leg function in peripheral artery disease
This grant tests whether taking carnosine can improve leg function for people with peripheral artery disease.
-
Understanding how CKD worsens leg artery disease at the cellular level
This grant explores why people with chronic kidney disease have faster, more severe peripheral artery disease and how specific cellular pathways contribute to worse blood flow and limb risk.
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.