How TL1A affects key gut immune cells in colitis

TL1A Regulation of Group 3 Innate Lymphoid Cells in Colitis

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11364915

Researchers aim to find whether the protein TL1A changes how certain gut immune cells behave in people with inflammatory bowel disease (colitis) to guide safer treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11364915 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This project focuses on a type of immune cell in the gut called ILC3s, which can both help heal and sometimes drive inflammation in colitis. The team will study how the cytokine TL1A shifts ILC3 functions by using patient colon tissue, genetic data linked to TL1A, and experimental models. By mapping the molecular switches that make ILC3s protective versus harmful, they hope to pinpoint targets that could be blocked or boosted. The work combines human samples and laboratory experiments to make findings more relevant to patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with inflammatory bowel disease affecting the colon, especially those with active inflammation or who can provide colon tissue or biospecimens, would be ideal candidates to contribute to this research.

Not a fit: People without IBD or those expecting an immediate therapeutic benefit from participation are unlikely to gain direct clinical benefit from this mechanistic research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets to prevent damaging immune responses in IBD and lead to safer, more effective treatments that reduce flares and the need for surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked TL1A and ILC3s to IBD and shown effects in mouse models and human tissue, but translating those findings into targeted treatments is still an emerging area.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.