How tuft cells in the gut shape allergic and parasite-related immune responses
Tuft Cell Effector Functions in the Intestine
This work looks at how rare 'tuft' cells in the intestine send signals that can drive allergic reactions and responses to parasites, which could matter for people with food allergies or certain gut immune conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11291836 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You should know that this project is focused on specialized gut cells called tuft cells and how the chemicals they release influence immune cells that cause type 2 inflammation. The team uses laboratory models, molecular tools they developed, and tissue/immune-cell experiments to trace signals such as IL-25 and LTC4 from tuft cells to T helper 2 (Th2) cells. They will examine effects across different gut regions (small intestine, cecum, colon) and explore whether tuft-cell activity can create long-lived memory Th2 responses or cause intestinal problems linked to food allergy. The goal is to map the pathways by which tuft cells might worsen or protect against helminth infections, food allergies, and other type 2-driven gut diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with food allergies, other type 2-driven intestinal immune conditions, or a history of intestinal parasite infections would be most likely to benefit from future clinical advances based on this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose gut problems are not driven by type 2 immunity (for example many cases of functional bowel disorders or structural GI disease) are less likely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or reduce food allergies, parasite-related gut disease, and other type 2 immune disorders of the intestine.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work, including by this group, has shown tuft cells play roles in innate type 2 immunity, but applying that knowledge to adaptive/memory Th2 responses and food allergy is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Von Moltke, Jakob H. — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Von Moltke, Jakob H.
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.