How breastmilk antibodies help newborns' immune systems balance gut bacteria
Official title: Breastmilk antibodies regulate neonatal immunity to the microbiota
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11026435 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the antibodies in breastmilk help newborns' immune systems respond to good and bad bacteria in their guts, which could lead to better health for babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $624,131 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI173199-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11026435 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are newborns who are breastfed and may be at risk for immune-related issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not newborns or those who are not breastfed may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of maternal antibodies found in breastmilk in shaping the immune responses of newborns to gut bacteria. It focuses on understanding how these antibodies help prevent harmful inflammatory responses while promoting tolerance to beneficial microbes. The study will explore the specific types of antibodies transmitted through breastmilk and their mechanisms of action in the neonatal gut. By examining these interactions, the research aims to uncover important insights into neonatal immunity and gut health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing neonatal immune health and preventing gut-related diseases in infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that maternal antibodies play a crucial role in infant immunity, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koch, Meghan Anne — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Koch, Meghan Anne
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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.