How maternal immunity may protect infants from E. coli infections
Official title: Maternally acquired immunity in protection against enterotoxigenic E. coli infections in infants
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11125019 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how antibodies from mothers can help protect their babies from a type of bacteria that causes diarrhea, especially in young children in poorer countries, and aims to find ways to use this natural protection to keep infants healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 14, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $571,071 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI168316-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11125019 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are mothers and their infants, particularly those living in low and middle-income countries where ETEC infections are prevalent.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 5 years or those not living in areas affected by ETEC infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of maternal antibodies in protecting infants from enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) infections, which are a major cause of diarrhea and related health issues in young children, particularly in low and middle-income countries. The study aims to explore how maternal immunity can be harnessed to provide passive protection to infants, focusing on the identification of specific ETEC antigens that can elicit a protective immune response. By analyzing natural infections in mothers and their babies, the research seeks to determine the effectiveness of maternal antibodies in preventing ETEC infections in infants. This approach could lead to new strategies for immunization and protection against ETEC in vulnerable populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing severe diarrhea and related health complications in infants caused by ETEC infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in utilizing maternal antibodies for protection against various infections, suggesting that this approach may be viable for ETEC as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chakraborty, Subhra — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Chakraborty, Subhra
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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.