Investigating how a specific molecule affects immune development in newborns

S1P as regulator of neonatal mucosal immune development and injury

['FUNDING_CAREER'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-10833529

This study is looking at how a special molecule called S1P affects the immune system in newborns, especially those born early, to help find ways to protect them from serious gut problems like necrotizing enterocolitis.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_CAREER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10833529 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a signaling molecule, influences the immune system development in newborns, particularly those born prematurely. The study involves analyzing the immune responses in neonatal mice when S1P signaling is blocked, which may reveal important differences compared to adult mice. By examining the immune cell behavior in the intestines of these newborns, researchers aim to uncover mechanisms that could lead to better prevention strategies for serious gut conditions like necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The findings could provide insights into how to protect vulnerable infants from life-threatening diseases.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants, particularly those at risk for gut-associated pathologies.

Not a fit: Patients who are not newborns or who do not have a history of premature birth may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing severe gut-related diseases in premature infants.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses in infants, making this approach a continuation of established findings.

Where this research is happening

SAINT LOUIS, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.