How mother's IgA in breast milk shapes newborn gut bacteria and NEC risk
Mechanisms of maternal Immunoglobulin A control over the neonatal microbiota and the development of Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Researchers are studying whether antibodies (IgA) in mothers' breast milk guide newborn gut bacteria to lower the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11131414 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at how maternal IgA antibodies in breast milk bind gut bacteria and influence which microbes colonize a newborn's intestine. The team collects breast milk and infant stool samples and uses laboratory models to track IgA binding to harmful Enterobacteriaceae versus beneficial Bifidobacteria. They combine human sample analysis with experimental studies to see how IgA affects immune responses and bacterial interactions that can lead to NEC. Findings aim to clarify why some infants develop NEC and how maternal antibodies might prevent it.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are breastfeeding mothers and their preterm newborns, particularly infants at elevated risk for necrotizing enterocolitis.
Not a fit: Full-term infants without NEC risk, infants who are exclusively formula-fed, or families unwilling to provide milk or stool samples may not directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to ways to prevent or reduce necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants by enhancing protective IgA in breast milk or developing IgA-based interventions.
How similar studies have performed: Prior human and animal data have linked higher milk IgA binding to lower NEC risk, and this project builds on those findings to define the mechanisms involved.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hand, Timothy Wesley — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Hand, Timothy Wesley
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 below.