Understanding how immune cells affect heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Official title: Investigating the Role of Macrophages in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11127012 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called macrophages might affect heart health in people with heart failure that feels normal on tests, and it aims to find new ways to help improve their condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 12, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00HL157689-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11127012 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, particularly those with comorbidities like obesity and diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with heart failure due to reduced ejection fraction or those without the associated comorbidities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of inflammatory macrophages in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a condition where patients experience heart failure symptoms despite normal heart function. Using animal models, the study aims to uncover how these immune cells contribute to heart remodeling and dysfunction. Researchers will explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved, particularly focusing on how macrophages influence the behavior of cardiac fibroblasts, which are crucial for heart structure and function. The findings could lead to new insights into potential treatments for HFpEF.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of inflammation in heart conditions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Natarajan, Niranjana — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Natarajan, Niranjana
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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.