Understanding how immune cells contribute to liver scarring in infants with biliary atresia
Mechanisms of neutrophil extracellular trap formation and contribution to biliary fibrosis in biliary atresia
This research explores how certain immune cells called neutrophils cause liver scarring in babies born with biliary atresia.
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 ID | NIH-11141644 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Biliary atresia is a serious liver condition in infants where bile ducts are blocked, leading to severe scarring (fibrosis) and often requiring a liver transplant. This project aims to understand a specific immune process involving neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, and how they create 'traps' that contribute to this scarring. By studying these immune mechanisms in both a mouse model and human samples, researchers hope to uncover new ways to prevent or slow down liver damage. This could eventually lead to new treatments for infants with biliary atresia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research focuses on understanding the disease process in infants with biliary atresia, particularly those experiencing significant liver scarring.
Not a fit: Patients without biliary atresia or those whose liver disease is not driven by similar immune mechanisms may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow or prevent liver scarring in infants with biliary atresia, potentially reducing the need for liver transplants.
How similar studies have performed: While specific immune pathways have been implicated, the precise role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in promoting biliary fibrosis in biliary atresia is a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
Milwaukee, United States
- Medical College of Wisconsin — Milwaukee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mack, Cara Lynn — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Mack, Cara Lynn
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 below.