Understanding Lymphatic Vessels in Liver Conditions

The role of lymphatics in cholestatic liver disease

['FUNDING_R01'] · YALE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11180511

This research explores how lymphatic vessels in the liver might help reduce inflammation and injury in people with cholestatic liver conditions like PSC and PBC.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorYALE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11180511 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

We are looking into how the body's lymphatic system, which helps clear waste and inflammation, works in liver conditions such as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). These conditions currently have limited treatment options, so we are exploring a new approach. Our goal is to understand if increasing the number of lymphatic vessels in the liver could be a way to treat these diseases, focusing on how this healing process works at a cellular level. We are also studying how bile acids, which build up in these conditions, affect the lymphatic cells.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is relevant for patients diagnosed with cholestatic liver diseases such as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).

Not a fit: Patients without cholestatic liver diseases or those with other forms of liver disease may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatment strategies that promote lymphatic vessel growth to reduce liver inflammation and fibrosis for patients with cholestatic liver diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies in animal models have shown that increasing lymphatic vessels can decrease liver fibrosis and injury, suggesting a beneficial role for this approach.

Where this research is happening

NEW HAVEN, 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.