Investigating the role of gut bacteria and immune cells in autoimmune eye disease
Official title: Intestinal T cells and microbiota as therapeutic targets in autoimmune uveitis
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-10877091 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might affect autoimmune uveitis, a condition that can cause vision problems, and it hopes to find new ways to help improve eye health by changing gut bacteria through diet and antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $525,129 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY032882-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10877091 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autoimmune uveitis who may not respond well to traditional anti-inflammatory treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with uveitis caused by non-autoimmune factors or those who do not have an active disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the gut microbiota influences autoimmune uveitis, a condition that can lead to blindness. By manipulating gut bacteria through antibiotics and dietary components, the study aims to restore immune balance in the body. Patients may benefit from new therapeutic strategies that target the gut to improve eye health and reduce inflammation. The research employs a model of experimental autoimmune uveitis to explore these interventions and their effects on immune cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that specifically target the gut microbiome to alleviate symptoms of autoimmune uveitis and prevent vision loss.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in manipulating the gut microbiome to influence autoimmune conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Phoebe — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Lin, Phoebe
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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.