Genetic clues to severe autoimmune hepatitis in adults
Official title: Human genetics of severe autoimmune hepatitis
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11354420 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study of people with severe autoimmune hepatitis to find genetic factors and protein markers that help explain why the disease is so serious.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | July 13, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $207,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI199336-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11354420 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with autoimmune hepatitis, especially those with severe disease or acute liver failure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without AIH or those not in the specific cohorts studied may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project will examine two groups of AIH patients, including those with acute liver failure, to discover genetic variants that may influence disease severity. Researchers will analyze advanced genetic data together with ancestry and immune system information, looking for key genes and pathways that drive risk. They will also study autoantibodies and circulating proteins to map how the body's immune signals change in severe AIH. The goal is to identify biological clues that could lead to better risk prediction and new targets for treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: By identifying genetic and protein markers, this work could pave the way for earlier risk assessment and more targeted therapies for people with AIH.
How similar studies have gone: Some prior work has linked genetics and autoantibodies to AIH, but this study combines large cohorts and advanced analyses to build on that progress.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kong, Xiao-Fei — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kong, Xiao-Fei
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating how certain receptors affect immune responses in autoimmune hepatitis
This study is looking at how a specific part of the immune system affects autoimmune hepatitis, a liver disease, to find new ways to help improve treatment for people living with this condition.
-
Inebilizumab for Autoimmune Hepatitis: a study in adults
This trial tests whether inebilizumab can be safely used in adults with autoimmune hepatitis and whether it helps reduce liver disease activity and the need for steroids.
-
Pediatric autoimmune hepatitis: can a vegan diet reduce reliance on immunosuppressants
In children with autoimmune hepatitis, this study tests whether adding a vegan diet for six months to standard treatment can help achieve liver disease remission compared with a standard high-protein diet.
-
Identifying liver disease-specific gut microbiomes
This study is trying to find out if certain gut bacteria are linked to chronic liver diseases in adults, including autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis, by analyzing blood and stool samples from patients and their household members.
-
Using Siplizumab to prevent immune issues in liver transplant patients with autoimmune liver disease
This study is testing if a new medication called siplizumab can help prevent immune problems in adults with autoimmune liver disease who are getting a liver transplant.
-
Using Belimumab to treat Autoimmune Hepatitis
This study is testing if Belimumab can help people with autoimmune hepatitis feel better and improve their liver function when other treatments haven't worked.
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.