Understanding how immune cells affect healing after heart transplants
Official title: Defining How Macrophage Allorecognition Impacts Tissue Repair After Transplantation
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10929377 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called macrophages help heal the heart after a transplant, with the goal of finding ways to make transplants more successful and reduce the chances of rejection, which could lead to better care for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31HL170514-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10929377 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have undergone or are scheduled to undergo heart transplantation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not received a heart transplant or those with other unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of macrophages, a type of immune cell, in the healing process following heart transplantation. It focuses on how these cells recognize foreign tissues and how this recognition influences their behavior and the overall success of the transplant. By studying the interactions between macrophages and transplanted tissues, the research aims to uncover new strategies to improve graft survival and reduce the risk of chronic rejection. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to better post-transplant care and therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing heart transplant rejection and enhancing long-term graft survival.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding immune cell behavior can significantly impact transplant outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Warunek, Jordan — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Warunek, Jordan
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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.