Investigating the immune response in liver disease

Prospective Studies on the Immunopathogenesis of Fibrosis in Acute and Chronic Liver Diseases

Observational University of Regensburg · NCT04943978

This study is trying to understand how the immune system affects liver inflammation and scarring in people with chronic liver disease compared to healthy individuals.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Regensburg Academic / other
Locations1 site (Regensburg, Bavaria)
Trial IDNCT04943978 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the role of the immune system in the development of liver inflammation and fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease. It will compare the cellular immune responses of patients with various liver conditions, such as autoimmune hepatitis and viral hepatitis, to those of healthy individuals. Blood samples and liver tissue will be collected for immunological analysis, allowing researchers to identify specific immune cell populations that may influence disease progression. The findings could lead to more targeted treatments for liver diseases based on individual immune profiles.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults with chronic liver disease, such as viral hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, or liver fibrosis.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the understanding of liver disease mechanisms and lead to improved, personalized treatment strategies for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on immune responses in liver disease, this specific approach focusing on a comprehensive immunological analysis in a prospective manner is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Patients with chronic liver disease up to progressive cirrhosis (e.g. ethyltoxic, Viral hepatitis, fatty liver, autoimmune hepatitis, colorectal liver metastases, HCC).

Patients with elevated liver values undergoing elective abdominal surgery.

As comparison groups patients with acute hepatitis (e.g. viral or autoimmune genesis) and patients without liver disease.

Exclusion Criteria:

Age under 18

Where this trial is running

Regensburg, Bavaria

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Chronic Liver Disease
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.