IRF3 and alcohol-related liver damage
Transcriptional and non-transcriptional function of IRF3 in ALD
['FUNDING_R01'] · CLEVELAND CLINIC LERNER COM-CWRU · NIH-11176218
This work looks at how a protein called IRF3 affects liver inflammation and scarring in people with alcohol-related liver disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CLEVELAND CLINIC LERNER COM-CWRU (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11176218 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work looks at how a protein called IRF3 affects immune cells and liver stellate cells to drive inflammation and scarring in alcohol-related liver disease. Researchers use lab experiments, animal models, and analysis of human liver tissues or blood samples to see how pieces of cellular RNA trigger IRF3 and cause damage. They focus on whether blocking IRF3-related signals can shift immune cells from causing inflammation and fibrosis toward helping the liver heal. The goal is to find new targets for treatments that could reduce inflammation and help reverse fibrosis in people with alcoholic hepatitis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with alcohol-associated liver disease—especially those with alcoholic hepatitis or stage 3–4 fibrosis—are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without alcohol-related liver disease or those with very advanced, decompensated cirrhosis may not benefit from approaches targeting IRF3.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new treatments that reduce liver inflammation and promote healing of fibrosis in people with alcohol-associated liver disease.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier animal studies by this team showed IRF3 pathways contribute to alcohol-related liver injury, but translating this into human treatments is still unproven.
Where this research is happening
CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES
- CLEVELAND CLINIC LERNER COM-CWRU — CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: NAGY, LAURA E. — CLEVELAND CLINIC LERNER COM-CWRU
- Study coordinator: NAGY, LAURA E.
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.
Conditions: Alcoholic Liver Diseases