The role of cardiac macrophages for ventricular arrhythmias

• Applicant: Dr. Steffen Pabel
• Subject Area: Cardiology, Angiology
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 530157297

Ventricular arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac death, are the main cause of high mortality from cardiovascular disease. However, currently available therapeutic options for ventricular arrhythmias are restricted by limited efficacy and side effects. Therefore, there is an urgent clinical need for new targeted treatment options, which makes the investigation of new mechanisms of ventricular arrhythmias important. In recent years, the immune system has been shown to play a significant role in cardiac electrophysiology and in the development of ventricular arrhythmias. While proinflammatory leukocytes may promote arrhythmias, the role of tissue-resident cardiac macrophages is less understood. These macrophages are relevant for physiological cardiac function and may directly regulate myocardial conduction. This research project investigates how cardiac macrophages influence cardiac electrophysiology and the development of ventricular arrhythmias. In a murine model, the effects of cardiac macrophage depletion will be tested in vivo and in vitro by electrophysiological methods and the interaction between cardiomyocytes and macrophages will be studied. Finally, the identified mechanisms will be tested in a murine model of spontaneous ventricular arrhythmias. The aim of this project is to identify novel mechanisms of ventricular arrhythmias that could potentially be utilized for a new (immunomodulatory) therapeutic approach.

• DFG Programme: WBP Fellowship
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Dr. Matthias Nahrendorf