Allergic eosinophilic esophagitis drives dysregulated innate immunity in esophageal fibroblasts
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11443932 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project studies why eosinophilic esophagitis, a chronic food allergy-related condition, causes lasting changes in the esophagus and how these changes could be treated to prevent scarring and complications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | July 21, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,496,677 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI202280-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11443932 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with eosinophilic esophagitis or related allergic disease who provide tissue samples and consent for research analyses.
✕Less likely to help
People without EoE or related esophageal conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific research.
What this research studies
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a long-term, food-triggered allergy that can damage the esophagus. The study focuses on fibroblasts in the esophagus and how they react to inflammation, aiming to map their behavior over time using human tissue samples. Researchers will analyze single-cell data and functional tests to understand which cells drive ongoing inflammation and fibrosis. The goal is to identify targets that could stop tissue remodeling and improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of how esophageal fibrosis develops could lead to new treatments that reduce scarring and improve quality of life for people with EoE.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that patient-derived esophageal fibroblasts retain inflammatory memory, supporting the potential for translating findings to therapy.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aceves, Seema S — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Aceves, Seema S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Esophageal antigen test-guided diet for eosinophilic esophagitis
A small, patient-friendly diet approach using a new esophageal antibody test aims to help people with eosinophilic esophagitis identify foods to avoid without repeated invasive procedures.
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How environmental signals and a receptor may protect or worsen eosinophilic esophagitis
A new NIH grant is exploring how the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in the esophagus affects eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and how environmental factors might influence this condition.
-
Toward personalized care for pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis using multimodal biomarkers
A pediatric-focused study will combine biochemical, structural, and molecular signals from the esophagus to better tailor treatment for kids with eosinophilic esophagitis.
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Role of protective proteins in the esophagus to treat eosinophilic esophagitis
A research project aims to understand how certain proteins protect or restore the esophageal lining in children with eosinophilic esophagitis and how this could lead to better long-lasting therapies.
-
Role of 1q21 Genetic Variants in Eosinophilic Esophagitis
This project looks at how genetic differences may make some people with allergies more likely to develop eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).
-
Mitochondria and IL-13 in eosinophilic esophagitis
A study exploring how immune signals and mitochondria interact in eosinophilic esophagitis to find new biomarkers and targets for treatment.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.