Understanding how the microbiome affects the immune system in the biliary tract
Official title: Modulation of the biliary immune niche by the microbiome - Administrative supplement
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11174083 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the tiny bacteria in our bodies might affect the immune system in the bile ducts, which could help us understand conditions like biliary atresia and cholangiocarcinoma better, and it’s for anyone interested in how gut health can impact liver and bile duct diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | June 20, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $63,000 |
| NIH project number | 3K22AI166029-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11174083 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with biliary tract diseases such as biliary atresia, cholangiocarcinoma, or chronic cholecystitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-biliary related conditions or those without any biliary tract diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the microbiome in modulating the immune environment of the biliary tract, which is crucial for understanding diseases like biliary atresia and cholangiocarcinoma. By examining immune cell populations and their interactions within the biliary system, the study aims to uncover how these factors contribute to inflammation and disease progression. The approach includes advanced techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze immune cells in detail. This could lead to new insights into how the microbiome influences biliary health and disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and preventive strategies for biliary tract diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of examining the microbiome's role in the biliary immune niche is novel, related research has shown promise in understanding the microbiome's impact on other organ systems.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'leary, Claire E — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: O'leary, Claire E
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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.