Improving immune responses in premature infants to prevent a serious intestinal disease
Official title: Reprogramming intestinal immunity in preterm neonates to prevent and cure necrotizing enterocolitis
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10937505 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $725,077 |
| NIH project number | 1DP1DK140012-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10937505 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants who are at risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not premature or who do not have a risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Good, Misty L — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Good, Misty L
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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.