Autoantibodies and ulcerative colitis: how avb6 antibodies may drive disease
Official title: Defining the origins and effector function of avb6-specific autoantibodies in ulcerative colitis
Funded at Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason · NIH-11412898 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant aims to understand how antibodies against a gut cell protein (αvβ6) may actively contribute to ulcerative colitis and what that means for future treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $907,235 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK148345-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11412898 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with ulcerative colitis who have or may develop anti-αvβ6 antibodies and are willing to contribute samples for research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without anti-αvβ6 antibodies or those not involved in antibody-related studies may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Ulcerative colitis is a long-lasting bowel disease that affects about a million Americans. The research seeks to uncover whether autoantibodies against αvβ6 not only mark the disease but also help drive inflammation by disrupting TGF-β1 signaling and epithelial repair. Using patient samples and laboratory studies, the team will map antibody types, how they bind, and their functional effects on the gut barrier. The goal is to identify exact mechanisms so therapies can be developed to prevent or mitigate disease by targeting these antibodies or their pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these antibody-driven mechanisms could lead to new treatments that better control UC with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest that certain anti-αvβ6 antibodies may affect TGF-β1 activation, indicating a plausible pathway; further work is needed to confirm therapeutic implications.
Where this research is happening
-
Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harrison, Oliver James — Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason
- Study coordinator: Harrison, Oliver James
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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.