Investigating how a gut bacterium affects immune responses after cell transplants
Official title: Akkermansia muciniphila mucolytic and immunomodulatory properties and intestinal GVHD
Funded at Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-10935665 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a friendly gut bacterium called Akkermansia muciniphila might help improve immune responses and reduce complications, like graft-versus-host disease, in people who have had a stem cell transplant.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $556,981 |
| NIH project number | 1P01HL170046-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10935665 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation who may be at risk for developing graft-versus-host disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation or those with pre-existing conditions unrelated to GVHD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of the gut bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila in influencing immune responses and complications following hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). The study aims to understand how genetic variations among different Akkermansia species affect their ability to degrade mucin and modulate immune responses in the gut. By examining both human and mouse models, researchers will assess how these factors contribute to the severity of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and other related complications. The research will also investigate whether targeting Akkermansia with specific bacteriophages can reduce the severity of GVHD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved management and treatment strategies for patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation, potentially reducing the incidence and severity of GVHD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of gut microbiota in immune responses, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
Duarte, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Valdivia, Raphael H — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Valdivia, Raphael H
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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.