Allen Institute for Immunology and Seattle Children's Research Institute launch study to unravel molecular mysteries of pediatric IBD
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SEATTLE, May 13, 2024 ~ Seattle, WA- With the number of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) diagnoses increasing globally, a clinical trial in Seattle is aiming to revolutionize treatment approaches through deep molecular profiling. The Seattle STRIDE study, a collaboration between Seattle Children's Research Institute and the Allen Institute for Immunology, has begun recruiting volunteers for its three-year study.

The trial plans to enroll 200 participants and utilize genomic tools to analyze tissue samples from routine tests. These single-cell analysis methods will provide a detailed understanding of how the immune system behaves in patients with IBD and how it responds to specific drug treatments over time.

According to Dr. Betty Zheng, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Seattle Children's and the principal investigator of the study, this deep immune profiling could offer an unprecedented view of the disease and potentially lead to new and improved treatments.

"IBD is a complex disease and we still have a limited understanding of its molecular mechanisms," said Dr. Zheng. "By partnering with the Allen Institute, we hope to gain a detailed view of these mechanisms in order to find better ways of treating our patients."

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The exact causes and progression of IBD, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the digestive tract, have remained elusive. It is believed that a combination of genetic factors, immune dysregulation, and environmental or dietary factors may play a role.

In children, IBD can be more aggressive and difficult to treat compared to adults. Approximately 30% of pediatric IBD patients do not respond to initial treatments and nearly half will eventually become resistant to their current treatments. This can lead to serious consequences such as impaired growth, mental health issues, and missed educational and social activities.

Dr. Zheng believes that a deeper understanding of the molecular workings of the disease could lead to personalized treatment strategies instead of relying on one-size-fits-all approaches.

"Some children respond well to first-line therapies while others require multiple treatments or do not respond at all," she explained. "This is a major challenge in the clinic."

In addition to potentially improving treatment options, a deep dive into the molecular mechanisms of IBD could also uncover new pathways of inflammation that could be targeted for the development of new drugs.

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Dr. Adam Savage, an assistant investigator at the Allen Institute for Immunology, emphasized the importance of exploring these unknown pathways.

"There is a universe of information that is not being seen," he said.

To uncover this information, Dr. Savage and his team will utilize advanced technologies developed at the Allen Institute for Immunology to identify and pinpoint immune cells and molecules within tissue samples collected during routine hospital visits. By analyzing these samples over time, they hope to gain insight into how the disease progresses and how patients respond to treatment.

While the study may involve complex data and advanced technologies, Dr. Savage reminds us that the ultimate goal is to improve the lives of patients.

"We may look at data on computers or work in labs, but when we see the patients we are trying to help, it serves as a powerful reminder of why we do what we do - to have a real impact on patients' lives," he said.

Families interested in participating in the Seattle STRIDE study can find more information on their website. The study offers hope for improved treatments and better outcomes for children with IBD.

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