Investigating how early exposure to Lactobacillus affects childhood respiratory health.
Official title: The effect of early-life nasal colonization with Lactobacillus on the development of the local immune response and the later onset of recurrent wheeze, childhood asthma, and allergic rhinitis
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10688072 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how introducing a friendly bacteria called Lactobacillus to the noses of healthy babies, especially those born by cesarean section, might help prevent breathing problems like asthma and allergies as they grow up.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2019 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $173,221 |
| NIH project number | 5K23HL148638-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10688072 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are healthy infants, especially those born by cesarean section.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or those with existing respiratory conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of early-life nasal colonization with Lactobacillus in shaping the immune response and its potential impact on preventing respiratory issues like asthma and allergic rhinitis in children. The study will involve healthy infants, particularly focusing on those born via cesarean section, to see if introducing Lactobacillus can alter their nasal microbiome positively. Researchers will assess the relationship between Lactobacillus colonization and the development of respiratory conditions, while also planning a randomized controlled trial to test vaginal seeding as an intervention. This approach aims to fill critical gaps in understanding how early microbiome exposure can influence long-term health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing asthma and allergic conditions in children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated potential benefits of early microbiome interventions, but this specific approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rosas-Salazar, Christian — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Rosas-Salazar, Christian
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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.