Gut immune protein C3 and protection from intestinal infections
Gut complement system: Induction and protection against enteric infection
['FUNDING_R01'] · HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL · NIH-11412408
This work looks at whether a protein made in the gut called C3 helps protect people—including young children—from infections that cause diarrhea such as C. difficile.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11412408 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From my perspective, the team will use specialized germ-free mouse models and change the gut bacteria to see how the gut makes C3. They will study individual gut cells using single-cell RNA sequencing and microscopic imaging to find which cells produce C3 and how levels change during infection. The researchers will compare those findings with samples from healthy people to confirm that the same gut complement system exists in humans. Overall, the approach combines animal models, microbiome analysis, cell-level profiling, and human sample validation to link gut C3 levels with resistance to enteric infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would include people who have recurrent or severe enteric infections (for example C. difficile) or parents of young children who experience frequent infectious diarrhea.
Not a fit: People with noninfectious gut conditions (such as functional bowel disorders or strictly metabolic problems) may not see direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new ways to prevent or treat infectious diarrhea by boosting or mimicking gut-produced C3.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and some human sample work supported local gut complement, but linking gut C3 levels to protection from infection using microbiome control and single-cell methods is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KASPER, DENNIS L. — HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL
- Study coordinator: KASPER, DENNIS L.
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 below.