How certain immune cells may protect against liver disease
Official title: Protective role of OPN-High macrophages in NASH
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11095840 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special type of immune cell called OPN-High macrophages to see how they work with liver cells in people with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a serious liver condition, to find new ways to help protect the liver from damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 5, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $516,060 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134461-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11095840 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, particularly those experiencing liver inflammation or damage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other liver diseases unrelated to NASH or those without liver conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific type of immune cell, known as OPN-High macrophages, in the context of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a serious liver condition affecting both children and adults. The study aims to understand how these macrophages interact with liver cells and whether they can help prevent liver damage and fibrosis. By examining the behavior of these immune cells in the liver, researchers hope to uncover new therapeutic strategies for managing NASH. The approach includes analyzing the communication between macrophages and liver cells to determine their protective effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that harness the protective properties of OPN-High macrophages to improve liver health in patients with NASH.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of OPN-High macrophages in NASH is still being explored, similar research has shown promise in understanding immune cell functions in liver diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nieto, Natalia — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Nieto, Natalia
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
MSC Secretome Eye Drops to Speed Healing of Corneal Wounds
A new eye drop made from stem cell–secreted factors is being tested to help adults with non-healing corneal wounds recover vision faster.
-
UIC Center for Healthy Work
A national program led by UIC aims to improve the health and well-being of workers through collaborative research and practical solutions.
-
Coordinated Oral Health Promotion for Chicago Kids
A long-running study in Chicago is following children and their caregivers to find ways to reduce tooth decay and improve daily life for families.
-
Targeting p38 MAPK to slow ALS-related axonal damage
Aims to block a specific brain-wide signaling pathway (p38 MAPK) to reduce nerve damage in people with various genetic forms of ALS.
-
Precision nanomedicine to calm inflammation and protect bone in gum disease
A new, targeted nanomedicine approach aims to reduce gum inflammation and prevent bone loss in adults with periodontal disease.
-
Role of DPP in Dental Pulp Stem Cells and their Regenerative Potential
A project explores how a natural tooth protein helps dental pulp stem cells repair and regenerate the tooth’s inner tissue.
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.