NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Investigating how gut microbiome affects the development of celiac disease in infants

Official title: Prospective Multi-Omic Analysis of At-Risk infants to Model Celiac Disease Pathogenesis

Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10656181 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how the gut bacteria and other factors in babies who are at risk for celiac disease change before and after they start eating gluten, to help us understand what might trigger the disease.

More Celiac Disease research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2019
Project endNovember 30, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$199,800
NIH project number5K23DK122127-05
Project IDNIH-10656181 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are infants who are genetically predisposed to celiac disease and are exposed to gluten.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have a genetic predisposition to celiac disease or are not infants will likely not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the early stages of celiac disease (CD) in infants who are genetically predisposed. By analyzing the gut microbiome and other environmental factors before and after gluten exposure, the study aims to identify critical interactions that lead to the onset of CD. The research utilizes a unique longitudinal birth cohort to collect detailed data over time, allowing for a comprehensive multi-omic analysis. This approach seeks to uncover how changes in gut microbiome composition may influence the risk of developing CD.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to early interventions that prevent the onset of celiac disease in at-risk infants.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of gut microbiome in autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Massachusetts General Hospital
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Leonard, Maureen Michelle — Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Leonard, Maureen Michelle

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Understanding how immune cells interact in celiac disease to guide healing

    A study from the University of Chicago will follow people with celiac disease to understand how immune cells in the gut contribute to damage or healing when gluten is present or restricted.

    NIH research University of Chicago · Chicago, United States · NIH-11465673

  • NanoDiscs: a new way to calm the immune system in celiac disease

    A new, protein-like particle called NanoDiscs is being developed to deliver safe targets to the immune system in people with celiac disease, with the goal of reducing reactions to gluten.

    NIH research Evoq Therapeutics, INC. · Ann Arbor, United States · NIH-11418898

  • Tissue damage and healing in Celiac Disease

    A broad study at the University of Chicago is exploring why some people with celiac disease keep having symptoms and tissue damage even when they try to follow a gluten-free diet.

    NIH research University of Chicago · Chicago, United States · NIH-11392285

  • Gluten-detection devices and telemedicine to help adults with celiac disease

    This project looks at whether using portable gluten sensors and urine gluten tests together with telemedicine can help adults with celiac disease stick to a gluten-free diet and feel better.

    NIH research Columbia University Health Sciences · New York, United States · NIH-11370961

  • Gluten-sensing tech to help manage celiac disease with telemedicine

    A study tests new gluten-detection tools used with online care to help adults with celiac disease manage their condition.

    NIH research Columbia University Health Sciences · New York, United States · NIH-11370183

  • Role of Transglutaminase 2 in Celiac Disease

    A study from Stanford aims to understand how a specific enzyme, TG2, contributes to celiac disease and to test a potential gut-focused treatment that could one day help people avoid dietary controls.

    NIH research Stanford University · Stanford, United States · NIH-11365566

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.