Investigating how gut bacteria affect growth in children exposed to HIV during pregnancy
Official title: Microbiome-driven immune changes and growth stunting in HIV-exposed uninfected children
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11015866 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why kids who were exposed to HIV before birth but don’t have the virus themselves might grow slower and get sick more often, and it will explore things like their diet and gut health to find out how these factors affect their immune system and overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 11, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $792,899 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD112302-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015866 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under the age of 11 who were born to mothers with HIV but are themselves uninfected.
✕Less likely to help
Children who are not exposed to HIV during pregnancy or those who are already diagnosed with HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding why children who are exposed to HIV in the womb but do not have the virus themselves are at a higher risk for growth stunting and infections. The study will analyze various factors such as clinical history, diet, and environmental influences, while also examining the gut microbiome and its relationship with the immune system. By collecting and analyzing samples from a birth cohort in Uganda, the research aims to uncover how changes in gut bacteria may impact immune development and overall health in these children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes and growth for children exposed to HIV during pregnancy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the microbiome in child health, making this approach both innovative and relevant.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bebell, Lisa M — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Bebell, Lisa M
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.