S100A9+ immune cells driving liver scarring in MASLD/MASH
Official title: S100A9+ macrophages and monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells as drivers of liver fibrosis in MASLD/MASH
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11429726 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Affects people with MASLD/MASH may benefit from a better understanding of how certain immune cells contribute to liver fibrosis and how to stop it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $850,096 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK148711-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11429726 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with MASLD/MASH who have or are at risk of liver fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without MASLD/MASH or without liver inflammation/fibrosis may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project looks at how immune cells called M-MDSCs and S100A9+ macrophages may push liver scarring in MASLD/MASH. Using patient samples and advanced analysis, researchers will map how these cells interact with liver cells to promote fibrosis. The work aims to pinpoint targets to interrupt this harmful signaling and prevent progression to worse disease. The study will combine single-cell analyses with functional tests to test key ideas in human tissues and models that reflect patient biology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to new strategies to reduce liver fibrosis in MASLD/MASH patients.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary human data suggest immune cells contribute to fibrosis, but the specific S100A9+ macrophage pathway in MASLD/MASH is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alatrakchi, Nadia — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Alatrakchi, Nadia
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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.