Investigating how certain immune signals affect liver disease related to obesity
Official title: Role of Interferon-Gamma / Interleukin-12 Axis in Metabolic Liver Disease
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11084410 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune signals affect liver diseases like fatty liver and inflammation, especially in people who are overweight, to help us understand why these conditions happen and how they might be treated.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $476,766 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK133772-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084410 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are experiencing obesity-related liver issues, such as NAFL or NASH.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without obesity or metabolic liver disease may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of immune signals, specifically interferon-gamma and interleukin-12, in the development of metabolic liver diseases like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFL) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). By studying how these signals interact with liver cells and immune cells in the context of obesity, the researchers aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms that lead to insulin resistance and liver inflammation. The study involves both animal models and analysis of human samples to explore these complex interactions and their implications for liver health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating metabolic liver diseases in obese patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune mechanisms in metabolic diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Jason K — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Kim, Jason K
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.