Why lymphatic drainage changes in inflammatory bowel disease
Official title: Mechanisms that alter lymphatic transport in inflammatory bowel disease
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11290395 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how immune cells and damaged lymphatic vessels can block fluid flow in people with Crohn's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | February 7, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $561,044 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI168044-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11290395 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with Crohn's disease, particularly those undergoing bowel surgery or who have evidence of lymphatic inflammation, could be candidates to provide tissue samples or participate in related clinical sample studies.
✕Less likely to help
People without Crohn's disease or those not undergoing surgery (and thus unable to donate tissue) are unlikely to directly participate or gain immediate benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses tissue removed during surgery from people with Crohn's disease and complementary mouse models to study how B cells and their signals affect lymphatic vessels. Scientists will examine collecting lymphatic vessels and valves for tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs) that surround and obstruct flow, and measure how lymph pressure and direction change. The team will track lymphotoxin and TNF-related signaling from B cells that may cause valve dysfunction and spur new lymphatic growth around TLOs. Findings aim to identify steps in the process that could be targeted to restore normal lymph drainage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to restore lymphatic drainage and reduce inflammation and symptoms in Crohn's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked lymphatic damage to Crohn's disease, but specifically targeting B cell–driven lymphatic blockage and valve dysfunction is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Randolph, Gwendalyn J — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Randolph, Gwendalyn J
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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.