Investigating how gut protists affect celiac disease
Official title: Role of gut protists in celiac disease
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11005737 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny organisms in the gut might affect celiac disease, which happens when the body reacts poorly to gluten, and it aims to find new ways to help people with this condition feel better by understanding how these organisms interact with the immune system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | February 8, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $595,991 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI168478-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005737 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with celiac disease, particularly those with the HLA DQ2 or DQ8 genetic markers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have celiac disease or those without the relevant genetic predispositions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of gut protists in the development and progression of celiac disease, a condition triggered by abnormal immune responses to gluten. The study focuses on understanding how these protists interact with immune cells in the gut, particularly in individuals with genetic predispositions to celiac disease. By examining the immune mechanisms involved, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic strategies to restore oral tolerance to gluten. Patients may be involved in providing samples or data to help elucidate these interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help patients with celiac disease manage their condition more effectively.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the immune mechanisms of celiac disease, but the specific role of gut protists is still being explored and represents a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hinterleitner, Reinhard — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Hinterleitner, Reinhard
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how immune cells interact in celiac disease to guide healing
A study from the University of Chicago will follow people with celiac disease to understand how immune cells in the gut contribute to damage or healing when gluten is present or restricted.
-
NanoDiscs: a new way to calm the immune system in celiac disease
A new, protein-like particle called NanoDiscs is being developed to deliver safe targets to the immune system in people with celiac disease, with the goal of reducing reactions to gluten.
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Tissue damage and healing in Celiac Disease
A broad study at the University of Chicago is exploring why some people with celiac disease keep having symptoms and tissue damage even when they try to follow a gluten-free diet.
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Gluten-detection devices and telemedicine to help adults with celiac disease
This project looks at whether using portable gluten sensors and urine gluten tests together with telemedicine can help adults with celiac disease stick to a gluten-free diet and feel better.
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Gluten-sensing tech to help manage celiac disease with telemedicine
A study tests new gluten-detection tools used with online care to help adults with celiac disease manage their condition.
-
Role of Transglutaminase 2 in Celiac Disease
A study from Stanford aims to understand how a specific enzyme, TG2, contributes to celiac disease and to test a potential gut-focused treatment that could one day help people avoid dietary controls.
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.