Immune signals that drive gut graft-versus-host disease
Inflammatory Cytokine Networks in Gastrointestinal Tract Graft Versus Host Disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN · NIH-11229598
This project looks at specific immune signaling proteins and the T cells that make them in people who develop gut inflammation after a donor stem-cell transplant.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MILWAUKEE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11229598 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team is examining immune cells in the colon that produce the inflammatory protein GM-CSF and how those cells differ in their gene activity and timing. They will compare two distinct CD4+ GM-CSF+ T cell populations for differences in responsiveness to signals like IL-7 and IFN-γ and study how IL-34 can block the emergence of these inflammatory cells. The work uses colon tissue and laboratory models to map the pathways that cause tissue damage and to test whether manipulating these cytokine signals can reduce gut inflammation. The goal is to identify specific targets that might calm gut GVHD without broadly suppressing the immune system.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant and are experiencing acute gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: Patients without GI involvement (for example those with only skin or liver GVHD) or those long after transplant with unrelated conditions may not directly benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to targeted treatments that reduce gut inflammation and complications after allogeneic stem-cell transplant.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has implicated GM-CSF–producing CD4 T cells in GVHD and cytokine-targeting approaches showed promise in preclinical work, while the IL-34 regulatory pathway is a newer finding.
Where this research is happening
MILWAUKEE, UNITED STATES
- MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN — MILWAUKEE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DROBYSKI, WILLIAM R. — MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN
- Study coordinator: DROBYSKI, WILLIAM R.
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.