Investigating how early life factors and genetics affect eosinophilic esophagitis

Early life factors, gene-environment interaction and eosinophilic esophagitis

NIH-funded research Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-10441396

This study is looking at how things like antibiotic use, how babies are born, and breastfeeding might affect the chances of developing eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in people who are more likely to get it because of their genes, and it invites patients to share their early life experiences and genetic information to help us learn more about these connections.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Winston-Salem, United States)
Project IDNIH-10441396 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores how early life experiences, such as antibiotic use, delivery method, and breastfeeding, may influence the development of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in individuals who are genetically predisposed. By examining the interactions between these early exposures and specific genetic markers, the study aims to identify risk factors for EoE. Patients may be asked to participate in a population-based registry-linkage study to gather comprehensive data on their early life factors and genetic information. The goal is to better understand how these elements contribute to the risk of developing EoE.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals under 21 years old who have been diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis or are at risk due to early life exposures.

Not a fit: Patients who are over 21 years old or do not have a history of eosinophilic esophagitis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies and treatment options for eosinophilic esophagitis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the relationship between early life exposures and eosinophilic esophagitis, suggesting that this research builds on established findings.

Where this research is happening

Winston-Salem, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Autoimmune Diseasesautoimmune disorderautoimmunity disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.