How gut bacteria affect rotavirus vaccines in kids
Official title: Intestinal microbiota-mediated rotavirus vaccine failure
Funded at Georgia State University · NIH-11377420 · Data updated 2026-11-12
How the bacteria living in a child’s gut might influence how well oral rotavirus vaccines work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $783,735 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI170014-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377420 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children aged 0-11 years who receive live oral rotavirus vaccines and have gut microbiota profiles that may influence vaccine response.
✕Less likely to help
Children whose gut microbiota does not interact with vaccine response in the studied way or who do not participate in any sample collection.
What this research studies
This grant explores how the gut microbiome in children affects the effectiveness of attenuated rotavirus vaccines. Researchers will study which gut bacteria and their byproducts alter vaccine replication and gut lining interactions, using human samples and gut culture systems. The goal is to uncover specific microbiota components that drive vaccine failure and to understand the mechanisms behind this effect. Findings could guide new strategies to improve vaccine responses, especially in settings with different gut microbiomes. The work is anchored in human-relevant biology and aims to translate into better protection for children receiving the vaccine.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Potentially smarter vaccine strategies or adjuncts that boost vaccine efficacy in children.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies suggest microbiota can affect viral vaccines, indicating this approach has potential but is still being established.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia State University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gewirtz, Andrew T — Georgia State University
- Study coordinator: Gewirtz, Andrew T
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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.