Understanding how immune cells help kidneys heal after injury
Macrophage Function in Kidney Repair
This research explores how special immune cells called macrophages help the kidneys recover after a sudden injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11158800 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
When kidneys are suddenly injured, like from a lack of blood flow, tiny tubes inside them get damaged, and some cells die. For the kidney to heal, these dead cells need to be cleared away, and new cells must grow to replace them. This project focuses on immune cells called macrophages, which gather in the injured kidney and seem to play a key role in this repair process. Researchers are learning how these macrophages help clear damaged cells and encourage new cell growth, specifically looking at a protein called Arg1 that helps with healing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who have experienced or are at risk for acute kidney injury might eventually benefit from this research.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic kidney disease or other kidney conditions not related to acute injury may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that boost the body's natural healing process for acute kidney injuries.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of immune cells in healing is known, this specific approach of understanding and targeting Arg1 in macrophages for kidney repair is being explored in detail.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cantley, Lloyd G — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Cantley, Lloyd G
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 below.