Understanding how oxidized fats affect immune cells in heart disease
Official title: Investigating mechanisms of oxidized phospholipid-mediated dysregulation of regulatory T cells in atherosclerosis
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10775833 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells, called regulatory T cells, are affected by damaged fats in the body and how this might contribute to heart disease, with the hope of finding new ways to help improve heart health for people at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | February 3, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $218,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI176219-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10775833 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with atherosclerosis or those at high risk for cardiovascular diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without atherosclerosis or those with other unrelated cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific immune cells, known as regulatory T cells, in the development of atherosclerosis, a common cardiovascular disease. The study focuses on how oxidized phospholipids, which are fats that have undergone chemical changes, may disrupt the function and survival of these immune cells. By analyzing human samples and using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind the dysfunction of regulatory T cells in atherosclerosis. This could lead to new strategies for manipulating the immune response to improve heart health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that enhance immune function and stabilize plaques in patients with atherosclerosis, potentially reducing the risk of heart attacks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the immune mechanisms involved in atherosclerosis, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Major, Amy S — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Major, Amy S
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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.