Celiac disease: why the gut gets damaged and how it heals
Tissue destruction and healing in Celiac Disease
Researchers are looking at why some people with celiac disease still have gut damage and symptoms despite a gluten-free diet, to help patients who don't fully recover.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159754 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will collect small-intestine tissue and clinical data from children and adults with celiac disease to compare those who heal on a gluten-free diet with those who do not. Scientists will study immune cells driving tissue damage, measure nutrient and lipid levels, and analyze the small-intestinal mucosal microbiome. By linking immune, microbial, and metabolic information with biopsy findings, the team aims to explain why healing is inconsistent and why some patients develop complications like bone disease or persistent symptoms. The work combines lab analysis of biopsies with clinical follow-up to identify patterns that could guide future care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with celiac disease—children and adults—especially those with ongoing symptoms, nutrient deficiencies, or continued intestinal damage despite following a gluten-free diet.
Not a fit: People without celiac disease or whose symptoms are caused by other conditions (for example, irritable bowel syndrome or non-celiac gluten sensitivity) are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors identify why some patients don't heal and lead to better monitoring or new treatments to prevent complications.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has linked immune responses and the microbiome to celiac disease, but combining small-intestinal mucosal microbiota, immune profiling, and metabolic data to explain inconsistent healing is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jabri, Bana — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Jabri, Bana
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 below.