Investigating how gut bacteria affect immune responses using engineered bacterial consortia
Official title: An engineered Clostridial consortia to interrogate immune modulation by secondary bile acids
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11113954 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain gut bacteria can affect your immune system, especially through substances they produce called bile acids, and it aims to help people understand how these bacteria might play a role in chronic diseases and overall immune health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | June 12, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $196,296 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI186046-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11113954 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic diseases potentially linked to gut microbiota imbalances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute infections or those not affected by chronic diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of specific gut bacteria and their products in modulating the immune system, particularly focusing on secondary bile acids derived from Lachnospiraceae. By creating a unique bacterial consortium, the study aims to toggle the production of these bile acids in a controlled manner to understand their effects on immune responses in the gut. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how gut microbiota influences chronic diseases and immune health. The research employs advanced genetic techniques to manipulate bacterial functions and assess their impact on immune modulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing chronic diseases by harnessing the immune-modulating properties of gut bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the gut microbiome's role in health, making this approach both innovative and grounded in emerging scientific evidence.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nagler, Cathryn R — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Nagler, Cathryn R
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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.