CD40 signaling blocker to treat inflammatory bowel disease
Official title: Small molecule inhibitor of CD40 signaling for the control of inflammatory bowel disease
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11345333 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new small molecule aims to block CD40 signaling to reduce inflammation in people with inflammatory bowel disease, while avoiding blood clot risk and infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $354,200 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK133903-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11345333 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease who are candidates for new therapies and willing to participate in early drug development studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose IBD does not respond to CD40 pathway–targeted strategies or who cannot tolerate early-phase drug development.
What this research studies
This project focuses on a small molecule that interrupts CD40 signaling inside cells, which could lessen gut inflammation in IBD patients. Researchers have found a compound that binds a key adaptor protein, reducing inflammatory responses in lab tests and in mouse models, without weakening defenses against certain infections. The plan includes improving the compound’s solubility and stability so it can be tested further. If successful, this work could lead to a safer way to control inflammation for people with IBD who do not respond to current therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could provide a new, safer treatment option for IBD that lowers inflammation without increasing infection risk.
How similar studies have gone: Early studies in cells and mice suggest the strategy can reduce inflammation without compromising infection resistance, but human data are needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Subauste, Carlos S — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Subauste, Carlos S
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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.