Understanding how the immune system responds to food proteins

CD4+ T cell response to food

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11020528

This study is looking at how certain immune cells in your body react to food proteins, which can help explain why some people develop conditions like celiac disease, and it aims to find ways to help those who struggle with food allergies or intolerances.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11020528 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how CD4+ T cells, a type of immune cell, interact with food proteins and why some individuals develop immune responses to these proteins, leading to conditions like celiac disease. The study employs advanced techniques such as peptide:MHCII tetramer-based cell enrichment and flow cytometry to analyze T cell responses in the gut. By examining how these immune cells proliferate and differentiate in response to food, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that allow some people to tolerate food while others do not. The findings could lead to new insights into immune tolerance and potential treatments for food-related autoimmune conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with celiac disease or those experiencing food intolerances and autoimmune responses.

Not a fit: Patients without any food-related autoimmune conditions or those who do not experience adverse reactions to food are unlikely to benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for individuals with food-related autoimmune diseases, such as celiac disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses to food, but this specific approach is novel and aims to fill existing knowledge gaps.

Where this research is happening

MINNEAPOLIS, 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.