Investigating how different types of IgA cells protect against gastrointestinal infections

Different roles of fetal- and adult-derived IgA secreting cells against GI infection

NIH-funded research Western Michigan Univ School of Medicine · NIH-10910156

This study is looking at how different types of immune cells that produce IgA, which helps protect your gut, work in people with selective IgA deficiency, to better understand why some people have symptoms and others don’t, especially in relation to gut infections and conditions like inflammatory bowel diseases and allergies.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWestern Michigan Univ School of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Kalamazoo, United States)
Project IDNIH-10910156 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the roles of IgA-secreting cells that originate from either fetal or adult sources in the immune response to gastrointestinal infections. It aims to explore how these cells function differently and their impact on conditions like inflammatory bowel diseases and allergies. By examining the pathways through which these cells are produced, the study seeks to fill gaps in knowledge regarding selective IgA deficiency and its varied clinical manifestations. Patients with selective IgA deficiency may experience a range of health issues, and this research could help identify why some are asymptomatic while others are not.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with selective IgA deficiency, particularly those experiencing related health issues such as autoimmune diseases or recurrent infections.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have selective IgA deficiency or related gastrointestinal conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients with selective IgA deficiency and related conditions.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on the developmental origins of IgA-secreting cells is relatively novel, there have been successful studies exploring the roles of IgA in immune responses.

Where this research is happening

Kalamazoo, 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.
Conditions Autoimmune Diseases
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.