Gut immune cells that may protect against Crohn’s ileitis
gd IELs in chronic ileitis
This work is seeing if a special group of gut immune cells called gamma-delta intraepithelial lymphocytes help prevent inflammation in Crohn’s disease affecting the small intestine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11364142 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use mice that develop Crohn’s-like inflammation in the ileum to track when and how these gamma-delta immune cells change before disease starts. They remove or reduce these cells at specific times, profile the immune cells in the gut lining, and look at markers and cell behavior linked to epithelial barrier loss. The team compares immune patterns before and after inflammation begins and examines whether loss of these cells coincides with more epithelial shedding and worse disease. Findings from the mouse work will be used to guide whether similar cell types or markers should be checked in people with ileal Crohn’s disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Crohn’s disease that affects the ileum, especially those with recurring flare-ups, would be the most relevant group for follow-up human studies or sample donation.
Not a fit: People without Crohn’s disease, those with ulcerative colitis limited to the colon, or anyone seeking immediate new treatments are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this early-stage lab-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to prevent or limit Crohn’s ileitis by protecting or restoring these gut immune cells or their functions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies suggest gamma-delta intraepithelial lymphocytes can protect against gut inflammation, but human evidence is limited and prior results are mixed.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Edelblum, Karen Leigh — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Edelblum, Karen Leigh
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.