Understanding how immune cells contribute to liver damage in infants with biliary atresia
Official title: Mechanisms of neutrophil extracellular trap formation and contribution to biliary fibrosis in biliary atresia
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-10938525 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called neutrophils might be causing liver damage in babies with biliary atresia, a condition that affects their bile ducts, and it hopes to find new ways to help treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $545,972 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK140072-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10938525 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants diagnosed with biliary atresia who are experiencing liver fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with biliary atresia who are already undergoing liver transplantation may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of neutrophils, a type of immune cell, in causing liver damage in infants with biliary atresia, a serious condition affecting the bile ducts. The study aims to understand how these cells form structures called extracellular traps that may worsen liver fibrosis, a scarring process. By using a mouse model and analyzing human samples, researchers will explore the mechanisms behind this immune response and its impact on liver health. The findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing biliary atresia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that prevent liver damage and reduce the need for liver transplants in infants with biliary atresia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting immune responses can lead to significant improvements in similar conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mack, Cara Lynn — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Mack, Cara Lynn
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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.