How the IRAKM–Mincle immune pathway affects alcoholic liver disease

IRAKM and MINCLE in ALD

['FUNDING_R01'] · CLEVELAND CLINIC LERNER COM-CWRU · NIH-11143097

This project tests whether targeting the IRAKM–Mincle immune pathway can lower liver inflammation in people with alcoholic liver disease.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCLEVELAND CLINIC LERNER COM-CWRU (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11143097 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

If you have alcohol-related liver disease, researchers are looking at a specific immune sensor called Mincle and its partner IRAKM that may link dead liver cells to ongoing inflammation. They will measure a molecule called GluCer in blood from patients and compare those levels with disease severity. In parallel, lab and mouse experiments will test how blocking Mincle or its signaling alters inflammasome activation and liver scarring. The work combines human blood samples with preclinical tests to point toward new immune-focused treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with alcohol-associated hepatitis or other forms of alcoholic liver disease who can provide blood samples or clinical information.

Not a fit: People without alcoholic liver disease or those with end-stage cirrhosis unlikely to recover from advanced scarring may not benefit directly from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new therapies that reduce liver inflammation and slow progression to fibrosis or cirrhosis in alcoholic liver disease.

How similar studies have performed: Animal and laboratory studies have suggested Mincle and IRAKM play a role in liver inflammation, but translating these findings into human therapies remains largely untested.

Where this research is happening

CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Alcoholic Liver Diseases

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.