Understanding how neutrophils affect blood vessel aging
Official title: Neutrophils play a pivotal role in vascular aging
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11039988 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a type of white blood cell called neutrophils affects the health of blood vessels as we age, especially in people with obesity, to find ways to help improve heart health in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 22, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $487,954 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL168560-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039988 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those experiencing cardiovascular issues or obesity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger and do not have cardiovascular risk factors or obesity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, in the aging of blood vessels and how they contribute to conditions like arterial stiffness and cardiovascular diseases. By studying aged mice, both with and without obesity, the research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind vascular damage and inflammation caused by neutrophils. The approach includes examining how neutrophil elastase, a specific enzyme produced by neutrophils, influences blood vessel health and contributes to age-related changes. The findings could provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for improving vascular health in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve blood vessel health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases in aging populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting inflammatory processes in vascular aging can lead to significant improvements in cardiovascular health, suggesting this approach may also be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jiang, Zhen Yue — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Jiang, Zhen Yue
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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.