Exploring how human milk oligosaccharides can fight Group B Streptococcus infections during pregnancy
Official title: Utility of human milk oligosaccharides against the perinatal pathogen, Group B Streptococcus
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10979850 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain sugars found in human milk might help pregnant women avoid infections from Group B Streptococcus, which can cause serious problems for both moms and babies, and it aims to find new ways to keep them safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $384,921 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD113675-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10979850 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals who are at risk of Group B Streptococcus infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not have a risk of GBS infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) to prevent infections caused by Group B Streptococcus (GBS) during pregnancy, which can lead to serious complications like preterm birth and neonatal sepsis. The study will analyze how HMOs can inhibit the formation of GBS biofilms and their ability to colonize the vaginal area, potentially reducing the risk of infection. By using advanced models, including organ-on-a-chip technology and human placental macrophages, the research aims to understand the immune responses triggered by HMOs against GBS. This could pave the way for new preventive strategies for expectant mothers and their infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new preventive measures against GBS infections, improving pregnancy outcomes and neonatal health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that components of breast milk can provide protective effects against infections, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gaddy, Jennifer a — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Gaddy, Jennifer a
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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.