Investigating the role of the esophageal microbiome in children's response to swallowed steroids for eosinophilic esophagitis
Esophageal Microbiome, Epithelial Gene Expression, and Response to Topical Swallowed Steroids in Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis
This study is looking at how the germs in the esophagus might affect how well children with eosinophilic esophagitis respond to steroid treatments, with the goal of finding ways to help those who aren't getting better with current therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10558624 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the esophageal microbiome affects the response to topical swallowed steroids in children with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). EoE is a condition that causes severe esophageal symptoms and can lead to complications like difficulty swallowing and failure to thrive. The study aims to explore the relationship between the microbiome and the esophageal epithelial barrier, which may influence treatment outcomes. By analyzing these interactions, the research seeks to identify factors that could improve therapy for children who do not respond to current treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis who are experiencing symptoms despite treatment.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have eosinophilic esophagitis or are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for children with eosinophilic esophagitis, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of the microbiome in various conditions has been studied, this specific investigation into its impact on eosinophilic esophagitis treatment response is novel.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rajagopala, Seesandra Venkatappa — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Rajagopala, Seesandra Venkatappa
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.