Understanding how immune cells contribute to liver damage in infants with biliary atresia

Mechanisms of neutrophil extracellular trap formation and contribution to biliary fibrosis in biliary atresia

['FUNDING_R01'] · MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN · NIH-10938525

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

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MILWAUKEE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10938525 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants diagnosed with biliary atresia who are experiencing liver fibrosis.

Not a fit: Patients with biliary atresia who are already undergoing liver transplantation may not benefit directly from this research.

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 performed: 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

MILWAUKEE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.