How stromal cells help the immune system fight intestinal infections
Official title: Stromal cells in immunity to infection
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11061245 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in the body help our immune system fight off intestinal infections caused by a specific parasite, and it aims to find out how these cells work together to boost our defenses, which could help improve treatments for similar infections in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | May 26, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $568,836 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI177287-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061245 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of intestinal infections or those at risk for such infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-infectious gastrointestinal conditions or those not affected by intestinal parasites may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of stromal cells in the immune response to intestinal infections, specifically focusing on how these cells interact with immune cells to enhance resistance against the helminth parasite Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri. Using a mouse model, the study examines the activation of specific stromal cells in mesenteric adipose tissue and their production of key signaling molecules that support immune cell function. The goal is to understand the mechanisms that enable the immune system to effectively respond to and prevent reinfection, which could have implications for treating similar infections in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing immune responses against intestinal infections in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses to infections, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pearce, Edward J. — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Pearce, Edward J.
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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.