Understanding how gut barrier function affects food allergies
Official title: Role of epithelial barrier function in food-induced anaphylaxis
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11056099 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called JAM-A helps keep our gut healthy and how its absence might lead to food allergies, with the hope of finding new ways to prevent or treat severe allergic reactions in people who are affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $394,641 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI167957-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056099 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children and young adults who have been diagnosed with food allergies or are at risk of developing them.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have food allergies or those with other unrelated allergic conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific protein, Junction Adhesion Molecule-A (JAM-A), in maintaining the intestinal barrier and its impact on food allergies. By studying mice that lack this protein, researchers aim to understand how food allergens can penetrate the gut lining and trigger severe allergic reactions. The study will also explore ways to reduce allergic responses by targeting mast cells, which play a key role in allergic reactions. This research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating food-induced anaphylaxis in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments or preventive measures for individuals with food allergies, potentially reducing the incidence of severe allergic reactions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of epithelial barriers in allergies, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ptaschinski, Catherine Mary — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Ptaschinski, Catherine Mary
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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.