Investigating the role of the esophageal microbiome in children's response to swallowed steroids for eosinophilic esophagitis
Official title: Esophageal Microbiome, Epithelial Gene Expression, and Response to Topical Swallowed Steroids in Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10558624 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | February 1, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $216,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI168832-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10558624 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis who are experiencing symptoms despite treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have eosinophilic esophagitis or are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rajagopala, Seesandra Venkatappa — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Rajagopala, Seesandra Venkatappa
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Esophageal antigen test-guided diet for eosinophilic esophagitis
A small, patient-friendly diet approach using a new esophageal antibody test aims to help people with eosinophilic esophagitis identify foods to avoid without repeated invasive procedures.
-
Allergic eosinophilic esophagitis drives dysregulated innate immunity in esophageal fibroblasts
This project studies why eosinophilic esophagitis, a chronic food allergy-related condition, causes lasting changes in the esophagus and how these changes could be treated to prevent scarring and complications.
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How environmental signals and a receptor may protect or worsen eosinophilic esophagitis
A new NIH grant is exploring how the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in the esophagus affects eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and how environmental factors might influence this condition.
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Toward personalized care for pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis using multimodal biomarkers
A pediatric-focused study will combine biochemical, structural, and molecular signals from the esophagus to better tailor treatment for kids with eosinophilic esophagitis.
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Role of protective proteins in the esophagus to treat eosinophilic esophagitis
A research project aims to understand how certain proteins protect or restore the esophageal lining in children with eosinophilic esophagitis and how this could lead to better long-lasting therapies.
-
Role of 1q21 Genetic Variants in Eosinophilic Esophagitis
This project looks at how genetic differences may make some people with allergies more likely to develop eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).
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.