Exploring dietary changes to improve immune responses in obese individuals during viral infections
Official title: Utilizing alternative dietary interventions to alter gut microbiome and improve T cell responses to viral infection in obesity
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10988321 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different diets can change the bacteria in your gut and help your immune system fight off viruses, like the flu and COVID-19, especially for people who are dealing with obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | November 16, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $222,787 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI180741-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10988321 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with obesity who are at risk for viral infections and are interested in dietary interventions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not obese or those who do not have a history of viral infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how alternative dietary interventions can modify the gut microbiome and enhance T cell responses to viral infections in individuals with obesity. The study focuses on understanding the relationship between T cell function, metabolism, and obesity-related inflammation, particularly in response to viruses like influenza and SARS-CoV-2. By analyzing the metabolic profiles of T cells from obese individuals, the research aims to identify effective dietary strategies that could improve immune responses and overall health outcomes for this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to dietary recommendations that significantly enhance immune function in obese patients, reducing their risk of severe viral infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that dietary changes can positively influence gut microbiome composition and immune responses, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maciver, Nancie — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Maciver, Nancie
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Intermittent Fasting to Boost Fracture Healing in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
A study tests whether intermittent fasting can improve bone healing in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes by changing the gut microbiome.
-
Probiotic Regulation of Gut-Brain Interactions in Obesity and Eating Behaviors
A probiotic blend is being tested to see if changing gut bacteria can influence brain pathways involved in obesity and eating behavior.
-
How chemicals in breast milk may change babies' gut bacteria and influence weight in Hispanic children
This project looks at whether PFAS chemicals passed in breast milk change infant gut bacteria and stool chemicals and raise early childhood obesity risk in Hispanic families.
-
Outdoor time, gut bacteria, and stress in young children's weight
This project looks at whether more outdoor time, healthier gut bacteria, and lower stress can help prevent or reduce obesity in young children, especially those from low-income families.
-
How exposure to flame retardants in early life affects obesity and diabetes later on
This study is looking at how being around certain flame retardants when you’re young might affect your chances of developing obesity and type-II diabetes later in life, and it hopes to find ways to help prevent these conditions.
-
Understanding how outdoor time and stress affect childhood obesity through gut health
This study is looking at how things like the gut bacteria in kids, time spent playing outside, and stress can affect childhood obesity, especially in families with fewer resources, and it’s exploring whether outdoor preschools can help kids stay healthier and happier.
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.