Pathobiology of the intestinal lining in celiac disease
Official title: PROJECT 1:Pathobiology of the Intestinal Epithelium in Celiac Disease (CeD)
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11350110 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research team at Yale is studying how the lining of the small intestine is damaged in people with celiac disease, with the goal of improving understanding and treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | June 17, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $530,544 |
| NIH project number | 1P01AI187003-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11350110 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with biopsy-confirmed celiac disease or at-risk populations, including those with early or established disease suitable for sample collection and mechanistic studies.
✕Less likely to help
People without celiac disease or without related intestinal pathology may not directly benefit from this basic mechanistic work.
What this research studies
This project looks at how intestinal epithelial cells interact with immune cells in celiac disease to cause villous loss and malabsorption. Researchers will study how gluten-triggered immune responses affect antigen presentation by intestinal cells and how this may lead to the destruction of the gut lining. They will examine both conventional and nonconventional ways these cells present gluten-related pieces to immune cells, and the role of antibodies in this process, using modern biologic models. The work aims to clarify the specific pathways that drive cytotoxic T cell killing of intestinal cells and to identify potential targets for intervention. The study integrates several experimental approaches to map the steps from gluten exposure to immune-mediated damage in the intestinal epithelium.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to new strategies to prevent or reduce intestinal damage in celiac disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has advanced understanding of immune interactions in celiac disease, but this project aims to resolve specific antigen-processing and presentation steps that remain unclear.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pober, Jordan S — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Pober, Jordan S
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.
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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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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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A study tests new gluten-detection tools used with online care to help adults with celiac disease manage their condition.
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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.