Restoring a special sugar to rebuild the gut and strengthen barriers in HIV
Official title: Restoring α1,2-Fucose to Rebuild the Microbiota and Strengthen the Intestinal Barrier in HIV
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11471759 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests a tiny sugar (α1,2-fucose) to help the gut barrier and gut microbes in people living with HIV, aiming to reduce inflammation and aging-related changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $794,032 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK149864-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11471759 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults living with HIV who are on stable antiretroviral therapy and have signs of gut barrier dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without HIV or those not experiencing gut barrier issues on ART may see little to no benefit.
What this research studies
People living with HIV on ART often have gut barrier leaks and inflammation. The researchers will study how restoring α1,2-fucose in the gut might stabilize gut cells and support beneficial microbes that make helpful fats (SCFAs). They will use ex vivo stool tests and model systems to see if adding α1,2-fucose can boost gut health and reduce inflammation. If successful, this could lead to new approaches to improve gut function and overall health in HIV+ individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, restoring α1,2-fucose could improve gut barrier function and reduce inflammation for people living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests that modifying gut sugars can influence barrier health and microbial activity, with promising ex vivo results for α1,2-fucose.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abdel Mohsen, Mohamed — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Abdel Mohsen, Mohamed
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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.