How early life gut bacteria affect immune system development
Official title: Immune interactions with commensal microbes in early life
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10974039 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the relationship between our immune system and gut bacteria in babies can affect the chances of getting immune-related health issues later in life, especially focusing on the important time before weaning when these bacteria first interact with the immune system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | November 2, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $685,469 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI173220-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974039 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants and young children, particularly those at risk for immune-related disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are adults or those who have already developed immune-related disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how interactions between the immune system and gut bacteria during early life can influence the risk of developing immune-related disorders later on. It focuses on understanding the timing and nature of these interactions, particularly during the preweaning period, when specific gut bacteria are introduced to the immune system. By studying the immune responses to these bacteria, researchers aim to uncover the biological mechanisms that link early microbial exposure to long-term immune health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing immune-related disorders by optimizing early life exposure to beneficial gut bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of gut microbiota in immune development, suggesting that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hsieh, Chyi S — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Hsieh, Chyi S
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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.