How genetic differences in memory T cells may drive IBD across ancestries
Trans-ancestry, single-cell multiomics dissection of IBD-associated loci in CD4 memory T cells
This project looks at how inherited genetic differences change immune memory T cells in people with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, including across diverse ancestry groups.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11290360 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers will examine individual immune cells (CD4 memory T cells) from people with IBD using single-cell multiomics to read gene activity and regulatory marks. They will combine genetic information from people of different ancestries with epigenetic and gene-expression data to pinpoint which non-coding DNA changes alter T cell behavior. The team focuses on important IBD-linked regions like the PTGER4 area and how signals such as PGE2, IL-1β, and IL-23 change immune responses. By linking specific genetic variants to cell functions, the work aims to explain ancestry-related differences in IBD risk and suggest new therapeutic directions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would include adults with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (and possibly matched controls) who can provide blood and/or tissue samples and represent diverse ancestral backgrounds.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate new treatments or those without IBD are unlikely to gain direct or immediate clinical benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal biological targets and pathways that lead to more precise treatments and better understanding of why IBD risk differs by ancestry.
How similar studies have performed: Previous genetic and bulk-tissue studies have identified many IBD risk regions and some links to immune function, but single-cell multiomic, trans-ancestry mapping of CD4 memory T cells is a newer approach with limited prior clinical translation.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duerr, Richard H — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Duerr, Richard H
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.