Investigating how gut bacteria affect responses to rotavirus vaccines in infants
Official title: Gut microbial and metabolic mediators of rotavirus vaccine response
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10825430 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in babies' tummies might affect how well rotavirus vaccines work, especially in places where the vaccines aren't as effective, and it will involve 330 infants from the US, Panama, and Peru to help find ways to make the vaccines better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 7, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $614,942 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD100542-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10825430 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants under 12 months old who are receiving the rotavirus vaccine.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or those who have already received the rotavirus vaccine may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between gut microbiota and the immune response to rotavirus vaccines in infants. It aims to understand why the vaccine is less effective in certain regions, particularly in middle- and low-income countries. By studying the gut bacteria, specifically Bifidobacterium longum, and their role in folate synthesis, the research seeks to uncover mechanisms that could enhance vaccine efficacy. The study will involve 330 infants from the US, Panama, and Peru, analyzing both existing and newly collected samples.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved rotavirus vaccine effectiveness, particularly in regions where it is currently less effective.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that gut microbiota can influence vaccine responses, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pannaraj, Pia S — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Pannaraj, Pia S
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.