How gut bacteria affect immune cell balance in the body
Official title: Determinants of induced Treg and inflammatory Th17 cell balance in response to potentially pathogenic microbiota
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11017719 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut interact with our immune system and how this affects health, especially for people with autoimmune diseases or cancer, to find new ways to improve treatments based on these bacteria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2021 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $505,444 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI158687-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017719 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease or those undergoing treatment for cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without autoimmune conditions or those not affected by gut microbiota-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how interactions between gut bacteria and immune cells influence health and disease, particularly focusing on autoimmune conditions and anti-tumor immunity. It examines the role of specific bacteria, known as pathobionts, which can either support health or contribute to diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). By studying the mechanisms of these interactions, the research aims to identify new therapeutic strategies for managing autoimmune diseases and enhancing anti-tumor responses. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved treatments based on gut microbiota.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies for autoimmune diseases and improved cancer treatments by targeting gut microbiota interactions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of gut microbiota in autoimmune diseases and cancer, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Littman, Dan — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Littman, Dan
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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.