Understanding how immune cells contribute to liver disease
Official title: Mechanisms underlying hepatic immune cell recruitment in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11084388 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how immune cells move to the liver in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as it changes to a more serious condition called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), with the hope of finding new ways to help treat liver problems caused by inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $423,551 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK124351-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084388 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, particularly those progressing towards nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with alcoholic liver disease or other liver conditions unrelated to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which immune cells are recruited to the liver in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), particularly focusing on the transition from nonalcoholic fatty liver to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). By examining the specific immune pathways and molecules involved in this process, the study aims to uncover the role of inflammation in the progression of liver disease. The research employs advanced techniques to analyze immune cell behavior and interactions within the liver environment, which could lead to new therapeutic targets for treating NASH and its complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new treatments for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, potentially reducing the risk of liver transplantation and liver cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune mechanisms in liver diseases, but this specific approach to NAFLD is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Raeman, Reben — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Raeman, Reben
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Targeting fatty liver disease in women around pregnancy to improve health
This grant explores how to identify and help pregnant and postpartum women who are at risk for fatty liver disease to prevent liver problems later.
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Clinically meaningful research on fatty liver disease in adults and children
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NAFLD in PCOS: Do androgens drive liver injury and fatty liver progression?
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How genes and heavy metals influence fatty liver disease
This project looks at how a person’s genes and the amounts of metals in their liver together relate to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
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Gm4951 gene and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Researchers are looking at whether changes in the Gm4951 gene affect how much fat builds up in the liver for people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
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.