Understanding how a natural substance called Prostaglandin D2 helps control gut inflammation

Prostaglandin D2 and its receptor CRTH2 regulate intestinal inflammation and homeostasis

NIH-funded research University of Washington · NIH-11117046

This project looks at how a natural substance called PGD2 and its receptor CRTH2 help manage inflammation in the gut, especially in conditions like food allergies and parasitic infections.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Washington NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-11117046 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Our gut lining plays a crucial role in keeping us healthy, and when it gets inflamed, as in food allergies or infections, it can cause significant problems. This research explores how special cells in the gut, called intestinal epithelial cells, use a natural signal called Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) and its receptor CRTH2 to control this inflammation. We want to understand how PGD2 helps these cells balance their functions and prevent excessive inflammation. By learning more about this process, we hope to find new ways to help the gut heal and maintain its health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients experiencing chronic gut inflammation, particularly those with food allergies or parasitic infections, could potentially benefit from future therapies developed from this research.

Not a fit: Patients with gut issues not related to Type 2 inflammation, food allergies, or parasitic infections may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments for gut inflammation related to food allergies and parasitic infections by targeting the PGD2-CRTH2 pathway.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific role of PGD2 and CRTH2 in regulating Type 2 epithelial inflammation is not fully defined, other studies have shown the importance of lipid signaling in immune responses.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.