How maternal antibodies affect the immune system and gluten sensitivity in newborns.
Official title: Influence of Maternal IgA on Neonatal iNKT Cell Development and Gluten Sensitive Enteropathy.
Funded at University of South Carolina at Columbia · NIH-11165896 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how antibodies from a mother's breast milk can help protect newborns from gluten sensitivity by supporting their immune system and gut health, which could lead to new ways to prevent this condition in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | May 14, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $41,214 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI191759-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11165896 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are mothers and their newborns, particularly those at risk for gluten sensitivity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already diagnosed with gluten sensitivity or related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of maternal IgA antibodies transferred through breast milk in shaping the immune system and gut microbiota of newborns. It aims to understand how these antibodies may prevent gluten sensitivity by promoting the development of specific immune cells during early life. Using mouse models, the study will explore the effects of maternal IgA on the immune response to gluten and its potential long-term implications for health. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to preventive strategies against gluten sensitivity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new strategies for preventing gluten sensitivity in children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that maternal factors can influence immune development, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Carolina at Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ball, Ryan Albert William — University of South Carolina at Columbia
- Study coordinator: Ball, Ryan Albert William
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.