Gut bacteria-driven Th17 immune cells and metabolic health
Official title: Role of intestinal commensal-induced Th17 cells and mucosal immunity in metabolic disease
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11234944 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research looks at whether friendly gut bacteria that trigger Th17 immune cells can protect people with obesity or metabolic syndrome by lowering gut inflammation and reducing fat absorption.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2013 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $822,451 |
| NIH project number | 2R01DK098378-11 |
| Project ID | NIH-11234944 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
The eventual target population would be adults with obesity, prediabetes, or metabolic syndrome who are interested in microbiome- or immune-based approaches to improve metabolism.
✕Less likely to help
People seeking immediate weight loss or those whose metabolic disease is caused primarily by non-gut mechanisms may not get direct or immediate benefit from this early, mechanistic research.
What this research studies
From my point of view, the team is studying how certain gut bacteria make a type of immune cell (Th17) that may keep weight gain and metabolic problems from getting worse. They use laboratory experiments and mouse models to see how these Th17 cells change gut inflammation, intestinal barrier function, and fat uptake by the gut lining. The work examines specific bacteria (like segmented filamentous bacteria) and how immune signals alter nutrient sensing and lipid transport in the intestine. Findings aim to point toward microbiome- or immune-based ways to prevent or treat obesity-related metabolic disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new treatments that use the gut microbiome or immune signals to prevent or reduce obesity and metabolic complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous animal studies have shown that the microbiome and Th17-related immune pathways can influence diet-induced obesity, but applying these findings to humans remains early and unproven.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ivanov, Ivaylo Ivanov — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Ivanov, Ivaylo Ivanov
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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.