How certain gut bacteria and CX3CR1 immune cells control intestinal inflammation
Orchestrating intestinal immunity through microbiota-CX3CR1+ cell interactions
This work explores how specific gut bacteria and immune cells communicate to protect the intestines and limit damaging inflammation for people with inflammatory bowel disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143169 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have inflammatory bowel disease, this research looks at how certain gut bacteria interact with a type of immune cell (CX3CR1-positive cells) to affect inflammation and the gut barrier. Researchers use lab-grown cells, isolated bacteria, and mouse models to find which mucosa-associated E. coli trigger the immune signal IL-1β. They trace how that signal can both protect the gut lining and drive harmful T cell inflammation. The aim is to pinpoint bacterial features and immune pathways that might become new treatment targets or ways to restore a healthier microbiome.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) or those willing to donate stool or gut tissue samples would be the most relevant candidates to support this work.
Not a fit: People without intestinal inflammation or those expecting an immediate new therapy are unlikely to get direct personal benefit from this lab- and animal-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new treatments or preventive approaches that target specific bacteria or immune signals to reduce intestinal inflammation in IBD.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked gut microbes and immune signals to IBD, but targeting the specific bacteria–CX3CR1 cell interactions described here is relatively new and still early-stage.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Diehl, Gretchen E — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Diehl, Gretchen E
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.