How gut bacteria in HIV-exposed infants affect their growth and immunity
Official title: Influence of Early Life Gut Microbiota of HIV-Exposed Uninfected Infants on Inflammation, Growth and Immunity to Enteric Pathogens
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-10898915 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in the gut of infants who are exposed to HIV but not infected can affect their health, especially regarding inflammation and growth, to find ways to help these babies grow up healthier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 3, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $243,050 |
| NIH project number | 7R21AI179225-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10898915 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants under 11 years old who are HIV-exposed but uninfected.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are HIV-infected or older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of gut microbiota on the health of infants who are exposed to HIV but are not infected. It focuses on understanding how these infants experience increased inflammation and immune challenges, which may lead to growth issues like stunting. By analyzing the gut bacteria composition in these infants, the study aims to uncover potential links between gut health and immune responses to infections. The findings could help develop strategies to improve health outcomes for these vulnerable infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health interventions for HIV-exposed infants, enhancing their growth and immune function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results regarding the role of gut microbiota in immune health, suggesting that this research could build on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nyangahu, Donald — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Nyangahu, Donald
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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.