Role of Transglutaminase 2 in Celiac Disease
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11365566 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2003 |
| Project end | March 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $672,537 |
| NIH project number | 2R01DK063158-24 |
| Project ID | NIH-11365566 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with biopsy-confirmed celiac disease who are willing to participate in early-phase clinical trials of gut-targeted therapies.
✕Less likely to help
People without celiac disease or those unable to participate in early clinical trials may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project explores how transglutaminase 2 (TG2) may drive celiac disease by affecting how gluten antigens are presented to the immune system. Researchers are developing selective TG2 inhibitors with fluorescent tags to study their action in the gut and their safety profile in early human trials. They are also investigating how TG2 interacts with dendritic cells to trigger T cells against gluten, using mouse models that mimic intestinal damage. A potential future aim is an IND-enabled Phase 1 trial of HB-2121 to test safety and feasibility in humans. The work could pave the way for a non-dietary therapy that addresses the root cause of CeD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new non-dietary treatment that reduces or prevents the immune reaction to gluten in people with celiac disease.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has identified TG2 as a potential target and has progressed some inhibitors toward clinical testing, though Phase 1 safety data are still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khosla, Chaitan — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Khosla, Chaitan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
NanoDiscs: a new way to calm the immune system in celiac disease
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.
-
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.
-
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.