How gut and blood microbes affect immune responses and organ failure in sepsis
Unraveling effects of gut and blood microbial signatures on immune phenotypes and organ dysfunction in sepsis
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · DUKE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11323501
This project explores how microbes and microbial molecules from the gut and bloodstream shape immune reactions and organ failure in people with sepsis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DUKE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11323501 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you take part, doctors will collect stool and blood samples from people hospitalized with sepsis and use modern genetic sequencing and molecular tests to identify microbial signatures. They will measure immune cell signaling and track organ function to see which microbial patterns link with stronger inflammation or organ dysfunction. Laboratory assays will test how specific microbial products interact with immune receptors. The goal is to connect gut and blood microbial fingerprints with immune responses during sepsis to help guide future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults hospitalized with sepsis or septic shock in the ICU who can provide stool and blood samples or whose legally authorized representative can consent.
Not a fit: People who are not hospitalized with sepsis, children, or those unable to provide the required blood or stool samples are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to change the gut microbiome or block harmful microbial signals to reduce inflammation and organ failure in sepsis.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies have shown the gut microbiome affects sepsis outcomes and early human sequencing work suggests links, but direct clinical therapies based on these findings remain largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
DURHAM, UNITED STATES
- DUKE UNIVERSITY — DURHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SERBANESCU, MARA ALEXANDRA — DUKE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: SERBANESCU, MARA ALEXANDRA
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.