How genes and the immune system affect eosinophilic esophagitis
Genetic and Immunological Dissection of Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Researchers are looking at genes and immune responses in people with eosinophilic esophagitis to find biological clues that could lead to better diagnosis and treatments.
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 ID | NIH-11224046 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, this project combines genetic testing with lab studies of immune and esophageal tissue changes to understand what drives EoE. The team uses genome-wide methods to find genetic risk locations already suggested by earlier work (like regions near CAPN14 and TSLP) and then follows up with laboratory experiments to confirm how those genes affect the esophagus and immune cells. They examine samples and immune signals that link the lining of the esophagus (the epithelium) with allergic-type immune responses. The overall approach blends patient-derived data with bench experiments to point toward new diagnostic markers or treatment targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (age 21 and older) diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis and willing to provide clinical information and biological samples would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without EoE or whose swallowing symptoms are due to other conditions (for example GERD) are unlikely to get direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new tests or drug targets that improve diagnosis and treatment for people with EoE.
How similar studies have performed: Previous genetic and laboratory studies have already linked CAPN14 and TSLP to EoE and shown epithelial and immune changes, so this work builds on promising prior findings.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rothenberg, Marc E. — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Rothenberg, Marc E.
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.