Immune signals driving alcohol-related liver damage
Innate immune signaling in alcoholic liver disease
This project tests whether blocking a key immune protein (BTK) and stopping neutrophil extracellular traps can reduce inflammation and liver injury in people with alcohol-associated hepatitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11194417 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study immune cells called neutrophils taken from people with alcohol-associated hepatitis to understand why some become overactive and harm the liver. They will measure neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and activity of the enzyme Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK), and examine how these trigger inflammatory pathways such as NLRP3 and STING/IRF3. Using patient blood and liver samples alongside laboratory models, the team will try drugs that block NETs, inhibit BTK, or both to see if these approaches reduce liver cell damage and scarring. Findings aim to link lab results to patient biology to inform future clinical trials of targeted therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with alcohol-associated hepatitis, particularly those with active inflammation and recent heavy alcohol use, would be the most likely candidates for this work or future clinical trials.
Not a fit: People with milder alcohol-related fatty liver without hepatitis or those whose liver disease is caused by other conditions are unlikely to benefit from these specific immune-targeting approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that lower inflammation and liver injury and improve recovery and survival for people with alcohol-associated hepatitis.
How similar studies have performed: Drugs that block BTK or reduce NETs have shown promise in other inflammatory conditions, but applying these strategies to alcoholic hepatitis is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Szabo, Gyongyi — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Szabo, Gyongyi
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.