How environmental factors affect eosinophilic esophagitis
Official title: Mechanisms of aryl hydrocarbon receptor control of eosinophilic esophagitis
Funded at Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-11169675 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how environmental signals influence a protein in our bodies, called AHR, which plays a role in eosinophilic esophagitis, an allergic condition of the esophagus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $623,039 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK140127-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11169675 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients living with eosinophilic esophagitis could potentially benefit from future treatments developed from this fundamental understanding of the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without eosinophilic esophagitis or other allergic diseases of the esophagus would likely not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an allergic condition where the lining of the esophagus becomes damaged, allowing allergens to trigger an immune response. We know that environmental changes and lifestyle often contribute to allergies, but how these factors specifically cause allergic diseases like EoE is not fully clear. This project focuses on a protein called the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), which acts like a sensor for various environmental signals, including things we eat or breathe. Our goal is to understand how AHR can both protect the esophagus and, at other times, worsen EoE, by studying its effects on the esophageal lining.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat eosinophilic esophagitis by targeting how our bodies respond to environmental triggers.
How similar studies have gone: This research builds on prior findings by the team showing AHR's dual role in EoE, but it aims to uncover new molecular details about how environmental factors influence this condition.
Where this research is happening
-
Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Azouz, Nurit P — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Azouz, Nurit P
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Esophageal antigen test-guided diet for eosinophilic esophagitis
A small, patient-friendly diet approach using a new esophageal antibody test aims to help people with eosinophilic esophagitis identify foods to avoid without repeated invasive procedures.
-
Allergic eosinophilic esophagitis drives dysregulated innate immunity in esophageal fibroblasts
This project studies why eosinophilic esophagitis, a chronic food allergy-related condition, causes lasting changes in the esophagus and how these changes could be treated to prevent scarring and complications.
-
How environmental signals and a receptor may protect or worsen eosinophilic esophagitis
A new NIH grant is exploring how the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in the esophagus affects eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and how environmental factors might influence this condition.
-
Toward personalized care for pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis using multimodal biomarkers
A pediatric-focused study will combine biochemical, structural, and molecular signals from the esophagus to better tailor treatment for kids with eosinophilic esophagitis.
-
Role of protective proteins in the esophagus to treat eosinophilic esophagitis
A research project aims to understand how certain proteins protect or restore the esophageal lining in children with eosinophilic esophagitis and how this could lead to better long-lasting therapies.
-
Role of 1q21 Genetic Variants in Eosinophilic Esophagitis
This project looks at how genetic differences may make some people with allergies more likely to develop eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).
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.