Understanding how immune and stromal cells interact in heart valve disease
Official title: Stromal-immune cell crosstalk promotes autoimmune valvular carditis
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11019927 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how immune cells and heart valve cells work together in conditions like rheumatic heart disease and lupus, with the hope of finding new ways to help people who have these heart issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | November 14, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $224,070 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI187243-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019927 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from autoimmune conditions that affect the heart, such as rheumatic heart disease or systemic lupus erythematosus.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-autoimmune related heart valve diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between immune cells and stromal cells in the cardiac valves, particularly in conditions like rheumatic heart disease and systemic lupus erythematosus. By studying how these cells communicate, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to chronic inflammation and fibrosis in heart valves. The team uses a mouse model that mimics human autoimmune valvular carditis to explore these pathways. The ultimate goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets to improve treatment options for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent or reverse heart valve dysfunction caused by autoimmune diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune cell interactions in other autoimmune conditions, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Binstadt, Bryce — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Binstadt, Bryce
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.