Determinants of regulatory T cell balance in response to gut microbes and food antigens
Official title: Determinants of induced Treg and inflammatory T cell balance in response to potentially pathogenic microbiota and food antigen
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11368320 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A long-term NIH grant is exploring how our immune system controls inflammatory versus tolerant responses to gut bacteria and foods, with potential implications for allergic diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $606,520 |
| NIH project number | 2R01AI158687-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11368320 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with allergic disease or food allergies who could benefit from improved gut immune tolerance.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without allergic disease or those not affected by gut-mediated immune responses may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how certain immune cells, called regulatory T cells, help keep gut inflammation in check when we encounter microbes and foods. Researchers have identified a special type of dendritic cell that promotes these regulatory T cells and protects oral tolerance. The work uses human data and clinical relevance to understand why some people develop allergic reactions when faced with gut microbes or food antigens. By studying the interaction between immune cells and antigens in the gut, the study aims to identify key factors that could prevent or reduce allergic disease. The findings could guide new therapeutic approaches to restore balance in the immune system for people with food allergies and related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new strategies to prevent or treat allergic diseases by promoting tolerance in the gut.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in animals and early human studies suggests regulatory T cells play a critical role in gut tolerance and allergy prevention, supporting potential translational value.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Littman, Dan — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Littman, Dan
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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.