Understanding T-cell Loss in Heart Failure After a Heart Attack

T Lymphopenia in Ischemic Heart Failure

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA · NIH-11124215

This project explores why some people lose important immune cells called T-cells after a heart attack and if restoring these cells could help their hearts recover.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (TAMPA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11124215 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Heart failure after a heart attack is a major health concern, and a decrease in T-cells, a type of immune cell, is often linked to worse outcomes. We believe this T-cell loss might occur because these cells move from the blood to the bone marrow or because the body struggles to make new T-cells. Our goal is to uncover the exact reasons behind this T-cell reduction following a heart attack. We are also investigating if preventing this T-cell loss could be a new way to help the heart heal and improve long-term health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is for patients interested in the underlying causes of heart failure after a heart attack and potential future immune-based therapies.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention will not benefit from this early-stage research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that improve heart recovery and long-term health for patients who have had a heart attack.

How similar studies have performed: The link between T lymphopenia and worse outcomes in MI patients is consistently observed, but the mechanisms and therapeutic potential are largely unknown, making this a novel area of investigation.

Where this research is happening

TAMPA, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.