Understanding how bacteria affect liver inflammation and autoimmune hepatitis
Systemic immunoregulatory consequences of bacterial translocation during health and disease
This study is looking at how certain bacteria might play a role in causing autoimmune hepatitis, a serious liver condition, by using a special mouse model to understand how these bacteria affect liver inflammation and damage, which could help find better treatments for people with this disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10879142 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of bacterial translocation in the development of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), a serious liver condition. By studying a specific mouse model that mimics human AIH, researchers aim to uncover how certain bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus reuteri, contribute to liver inflammation and damage. The study focuses on the interactions between the liver microbiome and immune responses, which could lead to new insights into the disease's triggers and progression. Patients may benefit from findings that could inform more effective treatments for AIH.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis or those experiencing unexplained liver inflammation.
Not a fit: Patients with liver diseases unrelated to autoimmune processes or those who do not have liver inflammation may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with autoimmune hepatitis, potentially reducing the need for liver transplants.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the microbiome in liver diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meisel, Marlies — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Meisel, Marlies
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 below.