Macrophage dynamics in Peripheral Artery Disease.

This project will explore the diversity and function of macrophages in PAD, examining how they contribute to disease progression and recovery. By integrating patient-derived samples with complementary laboratory models, we will map patterns of macrophage activation, investigate their interactions with vascular and muscle tissue, and assess opportunities to therapeutically guide their responses. The findings will generate new insight into immune mechanisms in PAD and inform the development of interventions that promote healing while limiting harmful inflammation.

To investigate the roles of macrophages in peripheral artery disease (PAD) and identify strategies to harness their functions to improve vascular and muscle health.

PAD is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, driven by atherosclerotic plaque formation and impaired blood flow to the limbs. Macrophages are key immune cells that can both promote vascular inflammation and support tissue repair, yet their specific contributions in PAD remain poorly defined. Understanding how these cells behave in different disease contexts and tissue environments could open new avenues for targeted therapies that restore balance between injury and repair.