Understanding how immune cells affect heart inflammation and disease

Phagocyte Crosstalk in the Balance of Inflammation & Cardiac Disease

NIH-funded research Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11037601

This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the heart can cause inflammation and contribute to heart problems, and it aims to find ways to reduce their activity to help improve heart health for people with heart conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-11037601 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of macrophage phagocytes in cardiac inflammation and heart failure. It aims to understand how these immune cells contribute to heart disease by promoting inflammation and how their activity can be selectively reduced to improve heart health. The study will explore the interactions between macrophages and other heart cells, focusing on the mechanisms that regulate inflammation resolution and tissue repair. By identifying these pathways, the research hopes to uncover new therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from heart conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing heart failure or acute ischemic injury, particularly those with chronic inflammation.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cardiac related conditions or those without significant inflammation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve heart health and reduce the impact of heart failure and inflammation.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting immune cell activity to improve heart health, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cardiac DiseasesCardiac Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.