Understanding how a brain-like immune switch (TREM2) affects chronic pancreatitis
Official title: Delineating the role of TREM2 in chronic pancreatitis
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11269401 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly look at how a specific immune receptor called TREM2 might control inflammation and tissue damage in chronic pancreatitis, with potential paths toward better treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | June 9, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $374,006 |
| NIH project number | 1R37CA307597-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11269401 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with chronic pancreatitis or those at risk due to pancreatic inflammation and fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
People without pancreatic disease or those not contributing tissue samples or participating in related studies may not benefit.
What this research studies
Chronic pancreatitis is a long-lasting inflammatory disease that damages the pancreas. This project focuses on macrophages, immune cells that can both promote and reduce inflammation, and how the TREM2 receptor helps keep them in balance. Researchers will study TREM2’s role in human pancreas tissue and test ideas in lab models to see if boosting TREM2 could lessen inflammation and fibrosis. If successful, the work could point to new therapies that help people manage this condition and protect pancreatic function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new therapies that reduce inflammation and scarring in chronic pancreatitis, potentially easing symptoms and slowing disease progression.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data in human CP tissues suggest macrophage balance and TREM2 are linked to inflammatory signaling, indicating potential for a targeted approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Yang — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Chen, Yang
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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.