How the antibody IgG4 may trigger food-related eosinophilic esophagitis
Defining the Role of Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) in Food-Induced Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)
This work looks at whether the antibody IgG4 and food proteins stick together in the esophagus and cause inflammation in people with eosinophilic esophagitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11320742 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), researchers will examine esophageal biopsy tissue and blood to look for IgG4 antibodies and their association with food proteins. They will use lab staining (immunofluorescence) and other assays to see where IgG4 and food particles are located in the tissue and whether they sit near cells that drive inflammation. The team will compare samples from people with active disease to those in remission to link IgG4 deposits with symptoms and eosinophil activation. Results could point to a way to identify food triggers using tissue or blood markers and guide new treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis, especially those undergoing endoscopy with biopsies or who have active symptoms, would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without EoE, those with other types of esophagitis, or those not having biopsy/sample collection are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new tests that find food triggers and new treatments that target IgG4-related inflammation in EoE.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier research has found IgG4 in EoE tissue and preliminary data show IgG4-food co-localization, but using IgG4 for diagnosis or treatment in EoE remains novel and unproven.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcgowan, Emily Clarke — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Mcgowan, Emily Clarke
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.