Microbe-made molecules that shape the immune system
Identification and Characterization of Microbial Metabolites in Immunity
This project looks for small molecules made by human microbes that change immune responses in people with allergies and autoimmune conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Broad Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11325071 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will collect samples from people with and without autoimmune or allergic conditions and isolate small molecules produced by their microbes. They will identify and chemically characterize these microbial metabolites in the lab. The team will test how these molecules affect human immune cells and map which immune pathways are engaged. Finally, they will pinpoint the specific human receptors that bind these microbial products to build causal links between microbes and immune behavior.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with autoimmune or allergic diseases (and healthy volunteers for comparison) who can provide samples such as stool or blood for analysis.
Not a fit: People without immune-related conditions or those looking for immediate treatments are unlikely to see direct clinical benefit from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets for diagnosing or treating autoimmune and allergic diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown some microbial metabolites can affect immunity, but many specific metabolites and their human receptors remain uncharacterized, so this builds on early findings with substantial novel work.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Broad Institute, INC. — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xavier, Ramnik J — Broad Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Xavier, Ramnik J
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 below.