How gut lining leakiness affects immune tolerance in inflammatory bowel disease
Intestinal epithelial paracellular permeability and immune tolerance
Looking at whether changes in the gut lining and a protein called AhR influence immune balance and inflammation for people with inflammatory bowel disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11267983 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), this project looks at how the cells that line your gut and a protein called the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) control leakiness between cells and the immune response. Researchers will use lab models, including genetically modified mice and cultured gut tissue, to change AhR activity and observe effects on tight junctions and immune signaling. The team will link those lab findings to known IBD pathways to identify how barrier changes might trigger or worsen inflammation. Results are intended to point toward ways to protect the gut lining or restore immune tolerance as future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) who want to contribute samples or be considered for future related clinical work would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People without IBD or those seeking an immediate new treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this early lab-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new ways to strengthen the gut barrier or modulate immune responses to reduce inflammation and flares in IBD.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies have shown that altering AhR activity can change colitis severity, but translating these findings to effective human treatments remains early and unproven.
Where this research is happening
Hershey, United States
- Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr — Hershey, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nighot, Prashant — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Nighot, Prashant
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.