Entero-mammary T cells and maternal-offspring immunity
Official title: Defining the Functions of Entero-Mammary T cells in Lactogenesis and Maternal-Offspring Immunity
Funded at Salk Institute for Biological Studies · NIH-11377969 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to understand how special gut immune cells that move to the breast during breastfeeding help protect both mom and baby.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Salk Institute for Biological Studies NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 23, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $562,500 |
| NIH project number | 5DP2AI192761-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377969 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are lactating individuals and their breastfed infants, particularly those with or at risk for conditions like adult-onset diabetes or breast cancer risk factors.
✕Less likely to help
If you are not lactating or not involved in maternal-offspring immunity research, this study may not apply to you.
What this research studies
Researchers will study intraepithelial lymphocytes that move from the intestine to the mammary gland during lactation to see how they affect milk components and the baby’s immune protection. The project uses advanced analyses to link gut-immune signals with changes in milk and offspring immunity. This could reveal ways to support healthier breastfeeding and infant immune development. The work involves human-relevant biology and aims to translate findings into strategies for better maternal and child health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new ways to improve breastfeeding outcomes and bolster infant immunity through maternal immune mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that maternal immunity and milk composition can be influenced by immune cells, but the exact role of entero-mammary IELs is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ramanan, Deepshika — Salk Institute for Biological Studies
- Study coordinator: Ramanan, Deepshika
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.