NanoDiscs: a new way to calm the immune system in celiac disease
Official title: NanoDiscs for Immune Modulation in Celiac Disease
Funded at Evoq Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-11418898 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Evoq Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,000,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AI192013-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418898 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with diagnosed celiac disease who struggle with gluten-free diet adherence or persistent symptoms despite adherence.
✕Less likely to help
People without celiac disease or those whose condition does not involve the immune mechanisms targeted by this approach may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses a bioengineered nanotechnology platform to deliver peptide antigens directly to lymph nodes, aiming to promote immune tolerance in celiac disease. It focuses on formulating, manufacturing, and testing synthetic NanoDiscs in preclinical models to ensure they are safe and effective before any human trials. The work includes an FDA pre-IND conversation to align manufacturing plans and early clinical trial design with regulatory expectations. If successful, this approach could complement or eventually reduce dependence on a strict gluten-free diet for some patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, NanoDiscs could offer a new therapeutic option to help reduce gluten-related symptoms and improve quality of life for people with celiac disease.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical data in mouse models show promise for immune tolerance with similar nanotechnology-based approaches, but human data are not yet available.
Where this research is happening
-
Evoq Therapeutics, INC.
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Daniel, Weston — Evoq Therapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Daniel, Weston
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Gluten-specific immune responses in a humanized mouse model of celiac disease
A study in a special mouse that carries human immune system pieces to understand how gluten triggers celiac disease and to test potential therapies.
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.