Understanding NOX2 in Alcohol-Related Liver Damage

Role of neutrophil-specific NOX2 in alcohol-induced liver injury

NIH-funded research University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11132681

This project looks at how a specific protein in immune cells, called NOX2, affects liver damage caused by alcohol, hoping to find new ways to help people with alcoholic liver disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11132681 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Alcohol-related liver disease affects many people and can lead to serious conditions like cirrhosis. We know that certain immune cells, called neutrophils, build up in the liver and contribute to this damage. This project focuses on a protein within these neutrophils, NOX2, which seems to play a complex role in controlling inflammation. By understanding how NOX2 works in these cells, we hope to uncover new strategies to protect the liver from alcohol-induced injury.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with alcoholic liver disease, particularly those with advanced cirrhosis or alcoholic hepatitis, could potentially benefit from future therapies developed from this research.

Not a fit: Patients whose liver injury is not related to alcohol consumption would likely not benefit from treatments specifically targeting alcohol-induced mechanisms.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that specifically target immune cells to reduce liver damage for patients with alcohol-related liver disease.

How similar studies have performed: Recent discoveries have highlighted the complex role of NOX2 in inflammation, and preliminary data from this team suggest a specific impact in alcohol-related liver injury.

Where this research is happening

Houston, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.