How liver immune cells affect fatty liver disease (NASH)
Innate Immunity in NASH
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON · NIH-11384760
This project looks at whether a DNA-sensing pathway in liver immune cells helps prevent inflammation and scarring in people with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11384760 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers are studying how liver-resident and recruited macrophages use a DNA-sensing pathway called cGAS-STING to influence inflammation, cell death, and scarring in NASH. The team uses genetic mouse models that remove cGAS or STING specifically in macrophages to see how those changes affect liver injury and fibrosis. They will map the signaling steps that work with and without STING and test how macrophage phagocytosis is regulated by cGAS. The findings aim to reveal mechanisms that could point to new ways to stop or slow NASH progression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a diagnosis of NASH or advanced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease who might donate samples or be candidates for future therapies are the most relevant group.
Not a fit: People whose liver disease is primarily caused by alcohol, unrelated genetic liver disorders, or those with end-stage cirrhosis are less likely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets for drugs that reduce liver inflammation and fibrosis, lowering the risk of liver failure and liver cancer in people with NASH.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies show immune cells shape NASH outcomes, but targeting macrophage cGAS-STING as a protective mechanism is a novel approach with limited clinical testing so far.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BAI, JULI — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON
- Study coordinator: BAI, JULI
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.