How engineered probiotics can help deliver a therapeutic peptide through the gut
Official title: Mechanisms enabling the oral-to-systemic absorption of a microbially delivered immunomodulatory peptide
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10823536 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a special type of probiotic that could help deliver a new treatment for autoimmune arthritis through your mouth, instead of needing painful injections, making it easier for people to manage their condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 6, 2024 |
| Project end | August 5, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $49,821 |
| NIH project number | 1F30AI181286-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10823536 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from autoimmune diseases, particularly those who require peptide-based therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have autoimmune diseases or those who are not suitable for peptide therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of bioengineered probiotics to deliver therapeutic peptides orally, which could revolutionize treatment for autoimmune diseases. The focus is on a specific probiotic, Limosilactobacillus reuteri, that has been modified to produce a peptide called ShK-235, which is currently being tested for its effectiveness against autoimmune arthritis. By understanding how this engineered probiotic can successfully transport the peptide into the bloodstream, the research aims to improve oral delivery methods for peptide-based therapies. This could potentially eliminate the need for injections, making treatment more accessible and patient-friendly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a non-invasive oral treatment option for patients with autoimmune diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using engineered probiotics for drug delivery, indicating that this approach could be a viable method for improving treatment outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kady, Mohamed Ryan — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Kady, Mohamed Ryan
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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.