Investigating how certain receptors affect immune responses in autoimmune hepatitis
Official title: Alterations of aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling in autoimmune hepatitis
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-10463827 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific part of the immune system affects autoimmune hepatitis, a liver disease, to find new ways to help improve treatment for people living with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $385,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK124408-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10463827 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis who may not respond well to current treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with autoimmune hepatitis who are already effectively managed with existing therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on autoimmune hepatitis, a serious liver disease that can lead to severe complications. It examines the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in regulating immune responses, particularly how it influences specific immune cells involved in the disease. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to identify potential new therapeutic targets that could improve treatment outcomes for patients with autoimmune hepatitis. The study involves analyzing immune cell behavior and receptor interactions in patients with this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that better manage autoimmune hepatitis and improve patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting immune receptors for autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield beneficial results.
Where this research is happening
-
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Longhi, Maria Serena — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Longhi, Maria Serena
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Genetic clues to severe autoimmune hepatitis in adults
A study of people with severe autoimmune hepatitis to find genetic factors and protein markers that help explain why the disease is so serious.
-
Inebilizumab for Autoimmune Hepatitis: a study in adults
This trial tests whether inebilizumab can be safely used in adults with autoimmune hepatitis and whether it helps reduce liver disease activity and the need for steroids.
-
Pediatric autoimmune hepatitis: can a vegan diet reduce reliance on immunosuppressants
In children with autoimmune hepatitis, this study tests whether adding a vegan diet for six months to standard treatment can help achieve liver disease remission compared with a standard high-protein diet.
-
Identifying liver disease-specific gut microbiomes
This study is trying to find out if certain gut bacteria are linked to chronic liver diseases in adults, including autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis, by analyzing blood and stool samples from patients and their household members.
-
Using Siplizumab to prevent immune issues in liver transplant patients with autoimmune liver disease
This study is testing if a new medication called siplizumab can help prevent immune problems in adults with autoimmune liver disease who are getting a liver transplant.
-
Using Belimumab to treat Autoimmune Hepatitis
This study is testing if Belimumab can help people with autoimmune hepatitis feel better and improve their liver function when other treatments haven't worked.
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.