Understanding how IgG4 affects food allergies in eosinophilic esophagitis.
Official title: Defining the Role of Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) in Food-Induced Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11072985 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a certain antibody called IgG4 affects eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a condition that can be caused by food, to help find better ways to diagnose and treat people with EoE.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | April 4, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $814,262 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI175232-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11072985 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis, particularly those who experience food-related symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have eosinophilic esophagitis or whose symptoms are not related to food allergies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific antibody, IgG4, in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a condition often triggered by food. The study aims to uncover how IgG4 interacts with food proteins in the esophagus and contributes to inflammation. By analyzing tissue samples and using advanced imaging techniques, researchers hope to identify the mechanisms behind food-induced inflammation in EoE. This could lead to better diagnostic tests and treatments tailored to individual patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic methods and targeted therapies for patients suffering from eosinophilic esophagitis.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of IgG4 in EoE is being explored, this specific approach to understanding its contribution to food-induced inflammation is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcgowan, Emily Clarke — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Mcgowan, Emily Clarke
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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This project studies why eosinophilic esophagitis, a chronic food allergy-related condition, causes lasting changes in the esophagus and how these changes could be treated to prevent scarring and complications.
-
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A new NIH grant is exploring how the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in the esophagus affects eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and how environmental factors might influence this condition.
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A pediatric-focused study will combine biochemical, structural, and molecular signals from the esophagus to better tailor treatment for kids with eosinophilic esophagitis.
-
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A research project aims to understand how certain proteins protect or restore the esophageal lining in children with eosinophilic esophagitis and how this could lead to better long-lasting therapies.
-
Role of 1q21 Genetic Variants in Eosinophilic Esophagitis
This project looks at how genetic differences may make some people with allergies more likely to develop eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).
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.