Understanding liver macrophages to predict fibrosis risk in chronic liver disease
Official title: ANALYSIS OF INTRAHEPATIC MACROPHAGE PROFILES FOR PREDICTING RISK OF FIBROSIS DEVELOPMENT IN PATIENTS WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-11083599 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the liver can help doctors understand the risk of liver damage in people with chronic liver diseases, like fatty liver disease or alcohol-related liver issues, so they can create personalized treatments to prevent serious problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $388,872 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK125730-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083599 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with chronic liver diseases such as NASH, alcohol-associated liver disease, chronic hepatitis, or autoimmune hepatitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute liver conditions or those who do not have chronic liver diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific immune cells in the liver, known as macrophages, can help predict the risk of fibrosis in patients with various chronic liver diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcohol-associated liver disease. By analyzing liver biopsies using advanced imaging and genetic profiling techniques, the study aims to identify patterns that could indicate how likely a patient is to develop severe liver damage. This personalized approach could lead to tailored therapies that address individual patient needs before serious complications arise.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for predicting liver disease progression and more personalized treatment options for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in using immune cell profiles to predict disease outcomes, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stevenson, Heather L — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Stevenson, Heather L
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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.