Improving immune responses in premature infants to prevent a serious intestinal disease

Reprogramming intestinal immunity in preterm neonates to prevent and cure necrotizing enterocolitis

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10937505

This study is looking at how the immune system affects necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature babies, with the goal of finding new ways to prevent and treat this serious condition to help improve their gut health.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10937505 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening intestinal condition affecting premature infants. The project aims to understand the immune mechanisms that contribute to NEC and develop targeted therapies to prevent and treat this condition. By utilizing a large biorepository of samples from infants with NEC, the research seeks to identify biomarkers and innovative treatment strategies that can enhance intestinal health. The approach is patient-centered, emphasizing collaboration among leading experts in the field.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants who are at risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis.

Not a fit: Patients who are not premature or who do not have a risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence and mortality of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune responses in similar conditions, but this approach is innovative and aims to fill critical gaps in current treatment options.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, 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 2026-06-13 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.