Understanding immune responses using microRNAs in heart transplant patients
Official title: Phenotyping Net Immune State with MicroRNAs in Cardiac Transplantation
Funded at Inova Health Care Services · NIH-11049884 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny molecules in the blood called microRNAs to see if they can help doctors predict complications like infections or organ rejection in heart transplant patients, so they can provide better, personalized care after surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Inova Health Care Services NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fairfax, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 4, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $804,438 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL173248-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049884 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults who have undergone heart transplantation and are currently receiving immunosuppressive therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had a heart transplant or those who are not on immunosuppressive therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how microRNAs, which are small molecules in the blood, can help predict complications related to immunosuppression in heart transplant patients. By analyzing blood samples over time, the study aims to identify patients who may be at risk for infections or organ rejection due to improper levels of immunosuppression. The approach involves advanced sequencing techniques to create a panel of microRNAs that correlate with the immune state of these patients. This could lead to more personalized and effective management of immunosuppression after heart transplantation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the management of immunosuppression in heart transplant patients, potentially increasing their survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biomarkers for managing immunosuppression, but this specific approach using microRNAs is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Inova Health Care Services
Fairfax, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shah, Palak — Inova Health Care Services
- Study coordinator: Shah, Palak
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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.