How early life gut bacteria influence immune system development
Official title: Regulation of Microbial Trafficking to the Thymus in Early Life
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11081653 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut help build a strong immune system in babies, which could lead to new ways to prevent allergies and other health issues as they grow up.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AI183752-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11081653 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants and young children who are at risk for developing allergies or inflammatory disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are adults or those who do not have a history of allergies or inflammatory conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of gut bacteria in shaping the immune system during early life. It focuses on how specific microbial antigens are transported to the thymus by dendritic cells, where they help develop T cells that can recognize these bacteria. By analyzing the microbial composition in the thymus, the study aims to identify which bacteria are crucial for establishing a healthy immune response. This understanding could lead to new strategies for preventing allergies and inflammatory disorders in children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing allergies and inflammatory diseases in children by harnessing the beneficial effects of gut bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the interaction between gut microbiota and the immune system can lead to significant advancements in allergy prevention and treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Matthews, Dean — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Matthews, Dean
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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.