Heart attacks often occur when fatty build-up in the arteries supplying the heart becomes unstable and ruptures. While cholesterol and inflammation play important roles, researchers still do not fully understand why some plaques remain stable while others suddenly become dangerous. Dr Jelinic's project will investigate what may be a previously overlooked process occurring inside artery plaques. "We have new evidence that cells forming the plaque's protective cap become stressed in advanced heart disease," Dr Jelinic said.
"These stressed cells appear to display signals that attract specialised immune cells known as gamma delta T cells. Once recruited, these immune cells can form close contact with the stressed cells and potentially damage or kill the very cells responsible for keeping the plaque stable.”
"We want to understand whether this process weakens the plaque's protective cap, making plaques more vulnerable to rupture and increasing the risk of a heart attack."
The research will leverage a unique biobank of more than 70 human coronary artery samples, which Dr Jelinic helped establish with collaborators from the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and the University of Sydney. Using advanced proteomics and high-resolution imaging technologies, her team will create a detailed map of how these cells interact within artery plaques as heart disease develops.
The findings could reveal previously hidden biological processes that contribute to plaque rupture and heart attacks. In the longer term, this knowledge may help researchers identify people at greater risk and develop new treatments that stabilise vulnerable plaques while preserving the body's natural immune defences.
La Trobe Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation Professor Chris Pakes congratulated Dr Jelinic on the funding outcome.
"Maria's research addresses a health issue affecting millions of Australians, with findings that could help guide future approaches to heart attack prevention and treatment," Professor Pakes said.
Heart Foundation National Manager Research Dr Anna Calkin said investment in research was essential for improving heart health outcomes.
"Investing in research helps advance new and better ways to prevent heart disease, detect it earlier, and improve the treatment and care of people living with heart disease," Dr Calkin said.
