Understanding Immune Cells in Heart Disease

Neutrophil lineage in inflammation

NIH-funded research Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11187023

This research explores how specific immune cells called neutrophils contribute to inflammation and the development of heart and blood vessel diseases.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionScripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-11187023 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Our bodies rely on immune cells called neutrophils to fight infections, but sometimes these cells can become overactive and cause damage to tissues. This project aims to uncover the precise ways neutrophils contribute to serious conditions like atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease, which are major causes of death worldwide. We want to understand how the body controls the number and activity of these cells, and how different types of neutrophils might drive the progression of heart disease. By learning more about these processes, we hope to identify new strategies to protect the heart and blood vessels from inflammatory damage.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with or at risk for inflammatory cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease, who are at least 21 years old, might eventually benefit from this research.

Not a fit: Patients whose health conditions are unrelated to neutrophil activity or inflammatory cardiovascular diseases may not directly benefit from this specific line of inquiry.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new ways to prevent or treat cardiovascular diseases by targeting specific immune responses involving neutrophils.

How similar studies have performed: While the general role of inflammation in heart disease is recognized, this specific focus on neutrophil subsets and inflammasome activation in atherogenesis represents a novel area of investigation.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, 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.