New Insights: The Role of Spleen-Derived Cells in Heart Attack Recovery

Recent research has uncovered a surprising function of the spleen in the healing process following a heart attack. Traditionally known for its role in blood filtering and immune defense, the spleen appears to contribute directly to cardiac repair through specific immune cells. A team from Washington University in St. Louis led by Dr. Sumanth D. Prabhu and Dr. Mohamed Ameen Ismahil studied mice models in which they observed that specialized macrophages, called marginal metallophilic macrophages, originate in the spleen and migrate to the injured heart immediately after a heart attack.

These macrophages play a vital role in the healing process by helping to clear harmful immune cells, suppress inflammation, and activate genes that promote tissue repair. To determine if this mechanism is relevant to humans, the researchers measured these immune cells in blood samples taken from patients hospitalized with acute heart attacks. They found that levels of these macrophages were significantly higher in patients who had recently experienced a heart attack compared to those with stable coronary artery disease.

Furthermore, the team experimented with a drug that increased the levels of these protective immune cells in mice, which led to improved healing and reduced inflammation in the heart tissue. Although this approach is not yet ready for clinical trials, it opens a promising pathway for developing new therapies aimed at enhancing heart repair after a heart attack.

This discovery highlights the potential of targeting splenic immune cells for cardiac regeneration and presents a novel perspective on immune system involvement in heart disease. Future research could lead to innovative treatments that reduce the risk of heart failure and improve quality of life for millions of patients worldwide.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-cells-spleen-play-role-heart.html