How alcohol changes liver immune cells in alcoholic liver disease
Role of alcohol adapted Kupffer cells in the progression and resolution of ALD
This work looks at whether alcohol-altered liver immune cells called Kupffer cells make alcohol-related liver disease worse or help it get better for people with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11324494 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use a mouse model that mimics human alcohol-associated liver disease and profile individual liver immune cells using single-cell RNA sequencing. They have identified alcohol-specific subsets of Kupffer cells and use genetic tools to remove those cells to see how the liver responds. The team watches for signs of alcohol-associated hepatitis, liver failure, and how well the liver recovers after stopping alcohol. Findings aim to explain why some people do not improve after abstinence and point to immune-cell targets for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with alcohol-associated liver disease, especially those who have had alcohol-associated hepatitis or ongoing heavy alcohol use, are the people most likely to benefit from this research outcome.
Not a fit: People with non-alcohol-related liver diseases, inherited liver disorders, or children with liver disease are unlikely to directly benefit from these specific findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat alcohol-associated hepatitis and improve liver recovery after stopping drinking.
How similar studies have performed: Recent animal studies have identified alcohol-specific Kupffer cell types and shown dramatic liver effects when they are removed, so this approach is relatively new but has supportive preclinical evidence.
Where this research is happening
Kansas City, United States
- University of Kansas Medical Center — Kansas City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weinman, Steven a — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Weinman, Steven a
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.