Probiotic-derived SH3b domains guiding how beneficial bacteria influence our body
Official title: Probiotic-derived SH3b domains as effector molecules
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11496545 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores a protein piece from a probiotic bacterium and how it can trigger immune signals and potentially benefit the gut and beyond.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $397,502 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AT014079-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11496545 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults interested in probiotics and gut health, or patients with conditions where probiotic-derived components might influence immune or gut pathways.
✕Less likely to help
People without gut- or immune-related conditions or those unlikely to receive a direct effect from probiotic cargo proteins may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will study components carried by bacterial tiny vessels from Lactobacillus johnsonii to understand how they interact with human cells. The work focuses on how these EV cargo proteins enter host cells, travel inside, and affect immune pathways. The aim is to uncover which host proteins partner with the bacterial SH3b2 domain to shape responses that could promote health. This is done using laboratory experiments in cells and animal models to reveal uptake and trafficking mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could illuminate new ways probiotics influence immunity and inform future therapies that harness bacterial components for health.
How similar studies have gone: Past work shows probiotic EVs can affect host cells, with ongoing exploration of specific protein cargo interactions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lorca, Graciela L — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Lorca, Graciela L
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.