Understanding how immune cells affect liver disease progression
Official title: Macrophage Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11058471 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the liver, called macrophages, change when someone has nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a serious liver condition, to help find new ways to treat it and prevent complications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $134,376 |
| NIH project number | 5K01DK137050-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058471 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis who are at risk for liver-related complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver diseases unrelated to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a serious liver disease that can lead to severe complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer. The study aims to explore the role of macrophages, a type of immune cell, in the progression of NASH by examining how these cells change their function and metabolism in response to liver damage. By identifying the mechanisms that influence macrophage behavior, the research seeks to uncover potential new treatments for NASH and its related health issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and improving liver health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune cell roles in liver diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ferguson, Daniel — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Ferguson, Daniel
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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.