How the immune system responds to proteins in the intestines of newborns

Immune Outcomes to Neonatal Antigen Delivery in the Intestine

NIH-funded research Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11085288

This study is looking at how what babies eat, especially through breastfeeding, helps their immune system learn to accept different foods and good bacteria, which could help prevent allergies and other health problems later on.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-11085288 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the immune system in newborns interacts with proteins from their diet and microbiota, which is crucial for developing tolerance to these substances. It focuses on understanding the role of breastfeeding and the components of breast milk, particularly epidermal growth factor (EGF), in preventing inflammatory disorders such as food allergies and inflammatory bowel diseases. The study aims to explore how different feeding practices, including breastfeeding and formula feeding, affect immune responses in infants. By examining these interactions, the research seeks to identify strategies for improving infant health and preventing future health issues.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants and newborns, particularly those who may be at risk for food allergies or inflammatory bowel diseases.

Not a fit: Patients who are older children or adults, or those who do not have a history of food allergies or inflammatory bowel diseases, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention strategies for food allergies and inflammatory bowel diseases in children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that breastfeeding is associated with a decreased risk of food allergies and inflammatory bowel diseases, indicating that this area of investigation has potential for significant findings.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.