NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how T cells affect heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Official title: Regulation of T cell immune response in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Funded at Tufts University Boston · NIH-11040303 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain immune cells called T cells might affect heart function in people with heart failure that has preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), which is a common type of heart failure, to find new ways to help improve treatment for those living with this condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTufts University Boston
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2023
Project endFebruary 28, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$576,704
NIH project number5R01HL165725-03
Project IDNIH-11040303 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, particularly those with comorbidities like obesity and hypertension.

Less likely to help

Patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction or those without significant comorbidities may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of T cells in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a condition affecting about half of heart failure patients. The study aims to uncover the immune mechanisms that contribute to HFpEF, particularly focusing on how inflammation and T cell activity relate to heart function. By examining the cellular responses and stress mechanisms in heart cells, the research seeks to identify potential new treatment targets for patients suffering from this condition. The approach includes both clinical observations and pre-clinical models to explore the relationship between T cell infiltration and heart muscle function.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve outcomes for patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms of T cell involvement in HFpEF are largely unexplored, similar research in other areas of heart failure has shown promising results in understanding immune contributions to cardiac conditions.

Where this research is happening

  • Tufts University Boston
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Alcaide Alonso, Maria Pilar — Tufts University Boston
  • Study coordinator: Alcaide Alonso, Maria Pilar

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.