How the immune system controls mucus-layer gut bacteria
Immune Interactions with the Mucus-Associated Microbiota
This project looks at how antibodies that need T-cell help keep mucus-associated gut bacteria in check to protect adults with inflammatory bowel disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11129862 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be hearing about research that explores how high-affinity, T-dependent antibodies regulate bacteria that live in the mucus lining of the intestine. In lab models investigators colonize animals with defined mucus-associated bacterial communities and compare normal immune responses to those in animals that cannot make T-dependent antibodies. They measure antibody responses to bacterial antigens, track immune cell activity, and examine inflammation in the colon to see how antibody-mediated control affects bacterial communities. The goal is to reveal mechanisms that could guide prevention or treatment strategies for intestinal inflammation in people with IBD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) or adults willing to donate stool or blood samples for microbiome and immune studies would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: Children and people without gut inflammation are less likely to gain direct benefit from this research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or reduce intestinal inflammation by targeting antibody responses or mucus-associated bacteria in people with IBD.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and basic studies have shown that antibodies can shape gut bacteria, but translating those findings into human treatments is still exploratory.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maynard, Craig L — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Maynard, Craig L
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.