Identifying immune cells linked to ulcerative colitis
Official title: Characterizing circulating and visceral T cells specific for the autoantigen integrin αvβ6 in ulcerative colitis
Funded at Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason · NIH-11046401 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a certain protein in your body might cause your immune system to mistakenly attack itself in ulcerative colitis, and it's for people with this condition who want to understand more about what happens in their immune system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | December 4, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $252,152 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI188483-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046401 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with ulcerative colitis or those at risk of developing the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other gastrointestinal disorders unrelated to ulcerative colitis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the immune response in ulcerative colitis by focusing on a specific protein, integrin αvβ6, that triggers autoantibodies in patients. The team aims to identify and characterize T cells that help B cells produce these antibodies, providing insights into how the immune system loses tolerance to this protein. Using a specialized assay, they will analyze immune cells from patients' lymph nodes and colonic tissue to understand the interactions that lead to ulcerative colitis. This approach leverages existing samples from patients to explore the underlying mechanisms of the disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating ulcerative colitis by targeting the immune response.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in similar immune response investigations, suggesting potential for meaningful advancements in understanding ulcerative colitis.
Where this research is happening
-
Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lord, James Daniel — Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason
- Study coordinator: Lord, James Daniel
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Outpatient pathway for severe ulcerative colitis in the right care setting
This study tests a safe, outpatient approach using an oral therapy and remote monitoring for people with acute severe ulcerative colitis to avoid hospitalization.
-
Fh15-based therapy to calm inflammation in sepsis and ulcerative colitis
A research project tests a molecule from a parasitic organism (Fh15) to reduce harmful inflammation in adults with sepsis or ulcerative colitis.
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IMYX-3 treatment for ulcerative colitis
A new therapy approach called IMYX-3 aims to help adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis who have not responded well to current treatments.
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Autoantibodies and ulcerative colitis: how avb6 antibodies may drive disease
This NIH grant aims to understand how antibodies against a gut cell protein (αvβ6) may actively contribute to ulcerative colitis and what that means for future treatments.
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Selenium supplementation to help moderate-severe ulcerative colitis flare-ups
This grant tests whether giving selenium can help people with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis reduce flares and improve symptoms.
-
Development of TP-317 for Ulcerative Colitis
A new therapy approach for ulcerative colitis aims to repair the intestinal lining and restore immune balance in people with UC, addressing a need for patients who don’t fully respond to current treatments.
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.