Understanding Immune Cells in Heart Disease
Immune Cell Interactions in Atherosclerosis
This research explores how our body's immune system and fats in the blood work together to cause hardening of the arteries, aiming to find new ways to protect your heart.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11098510 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies have an immune system that helps fight off infections, but sometimes it can also contribute to conditions like atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up in your arteries. This project looks closely at how different immune cells communicate and react to fats and proteins in the blood, which can lead to this plaque buildup. We are studying blood samples and medical images from people with heart disease to better understand these complex interactions. The goal is to discover more targeted ways to manage the immune system's role in heart disease without weakening its ability to fight other illnesses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this type of research include individuals with or at risk for coronary artery disease who may undergo procedures like cardiac catheterization or CT angiography.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing or at risk for atherosclerosis or related cardiovascular conditions would likely not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new, more precise treatments for atherosclerosis that specifically target harmful immune responses while keeping the rest of your immune system strong.
How similar studies have performed: Previous clinical trials have shown that the immune system plays a role in coronary artery disease, but this research aims to find more specific and safer immune-modulating interventions.
Where this research is happening
Augusta, United States
- Augusta University — Augusta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hedrick, Catherine C — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Hedrick, Catherine C
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.