How early microbial exposure affects immune system development
Official title: Biasing immunological development with early life microbial colonization
Funded at University of Massachusetts Boston · NIH-10730933 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the germs we encounter early in life can shape our immune system and overall health later on, using African Clawed Frogs to help us understand how this works, which might eventually help people with autoimmune diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 8, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $446,702 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AI174147-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10730933 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals under 21 years old who may be at risk for autoimmune conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with established autoimmune diseases or those over 21 years old may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the timing and type of microbial exposure during early development can influence the immune system's functioning and health outcomes later in life. Using the African Clawed Frog as a model, the study aims to understand how early life microbial colonization can either promote or suppress immune responses. By examining the effects of specific microbial encounters, researchers hope to uncover critical windows for immune education that could inform future treatments for autoimmune diseases. The findings may provide insights into how similar mechanisms operate in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating autoimmune diseases by understanding how early microbial exposure shapes immune responses.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding immune system development through microbial exposure, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Woodhams, Douglas C — University of Massachusetts Boston
- Study coordinator: Woodhams, Douglas C
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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.