Understanding how immune responses affect the esophagus in children with eosinophilic esophagitis
Official title: Molecular Mechanisms of Reactive Epithelial Changes in Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11059936 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune responses affect the esophagus in kids with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), using special lab techniques to help find better ways to understand and treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $165,456 |
| NIH project number | 5K08DK128603-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059936 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who have been diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have eosinophilic esophagitis or are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms that lead to changes in the esophagus of children suffering from eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a condition characterized by inflammation and hyperplasia of the esophageal cells. The study employs advanced techniques such as 3D organoid culture systems and flow cytometry to explore how immune responses contribute to these changes. By using a mouse model that mimics early onset EoE, researchers aim to uncover the role of specific proteins in the disease process, which could lead to better understanding and treatment options for affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and management strategies for children with eosinophilic esophagitis.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding immune-mediated diseases, but this specific approach to studying eosinophilic esophagitis in children is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bailey, Dominique — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Bailey, Dominique
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Esophageal antigen test-guided diet for eosinophilic esophagitis
A small, patient-friendly diet approach using a new esophageal antibody test aims to help people with eosinophilic esophagitis identify foods to avoid without repeated invasive procedures.
-
Allergic eosinophilic esophagitis drives dysregulated innate immunity in esophageal fibroblasts
This project studies why eosinophilic esophagitis, a chronic food allergy-related condition, causes lasting changes in the esophagus and how these changes could be treated to prevent scarring and complications.
-
How environmental signals and a receptor may protect or worsen eosinophilic esophagitis
A new NIH grant is exploring how the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in the esophagus affects eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and how environmental factors might influence this condition.
-
Toward personalized care for pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis using multimodal biomarkers
A pediatric-focused study will combine biochemical, structural, and molecular signals from the esophagus to better tailor treatment for kids with eosinophilic esophagitis.
-
Role of protective proteins in the esophagus to treat eosinophilic esophagitis
A research project aims to understand how certain proteins protect or restore the esophageal lining in children with eosinophilic esophagitis and how this could lead to better long-lasting therapies.
-
Role of 1q21 Genetic Variants in Eosinophilic Esophagitis
This project looks at how genetic differences may make some people with allergies more likely to develop eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).
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.