Understanding how immune cells help the heart heal after injury

Macrophage functional dynamics in adult heart regeneration

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11059842

This study is looking at how certain immune cells called macrophages help the heart heal after an injury, and it could lead to new treatments to improve recovery for people with heart damage.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-11059842 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of macrophages, a type of immune cell, in the healing process of the heart following injury. By analyzing the different states and functions of these cells, the study aims to uncover how they contribute to heart regeneration. Using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, researchers will identify how macrophages change their behavior during inflammation and healing. This knowledge could lead to new therapies that enhance heart recovery after damage.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have experienced heart injury or disease.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cardiac conditions or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that improve heart regeneration and recovery after injury.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune cell roles in heart healing, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, 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.
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.