Inhye Park

My research interest lies in characterising vascular macrophage heterogeneity and exploiting macrophage functions to alleviate cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Tissue resident macrophages play a non-redundant role in organ function, immune responses, and reparative processes to ensure tissue homeostasis. My previous work was focused on understanding the protective mechanisms of vascular macrophages in atherosclerosis. Using single cell technologies, I have identified a novel vascular macrophage subset defined by the expression of a C-type lectin receptor. This subset is conserved across various organs and presents with unique features and a distinct transcriptomic profile. My BHF CRE Fellowship project aims to investigate the role of this newly identified macrophage subset in acute and chronic heart failure. The work will identify the subtissular niche of this subset and its interplay with the cardiovascular system, which will define its role in myocardial infarction. The findings from this work will enable an improved mechanistic insight into the role of resident vascular macrophages that, ultimately, could be exploited for therapeutic application in CVD.