Role of gut bacteria–driven Th17 cells in metabolic health
Official title: Role of intestinal commensal-induced Th17 cells and mucosal immunity in metabolic disease
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11408423 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in mice explores how specific gut bacteria help protect against obesity- and diabetes-like changes by shaping a type of immune cell in the gut.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2013 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $822,451 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK098378-12 |
| Project ID | NIH-11408423 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with metabolic syndrome or obesity who might benefit from therapies targeting gut immunity in the future.
✕Less likely to help
The findings may not directly benefit all individuals, especially those without metabolic or inflammatory gut issues until applied clinically.
What this research studies
We want to understand how intestinal immune cells called Th17 cells, influenced by gut bacteria, affect metabolism and fat tissue in the context of a high-fat, high-sugar diet. The project looks at how these immune cells regulate gut barrier function, inflammation, and lipid absorption, and whether they can prevent problems like insulin resistance. By using 3-D imaging and intestinal tissue models, researchers will dissect the pathways from the gut immune response to whole-body metabolic outcomes. This work could reveal new ways to target gut-immune interactions to improve metabolic health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies that protect against obesity-related inflammation and metabolic diseases by modulating gut immunity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in animal models has shown that gut bacteria can influence metabolic health via Th17 cells, suggesting this is a promising area.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ivanov, Ivaylo Ivanov — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Ivanov, Ivaylo Ivanov
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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.