Understanding Gut Bacteria's Role in Recovery After Surgery
Gut pathogen virulence and its therapeutic modulation during surgical injury
This research explores how gut bacteria and their products help the body heal and fight infection after surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11054621 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
After surgery or infection, the helpful bacteria in our gut can change, which might weaken our immune system and slow down recovery. This project aims to find specific substances produced by gut bacteria that are crucial for healing. We want to understand how these substances help immune cells, called macrophages, clear infections and reduce inflammation at the right time. By learning more about this process, we hope to find new ways to help patients recover better after surgical procedures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for patients who have undergone surgical injury or experienced infections, particularly those with impaired immune function or slow recovery.
Not a fit: Patients without surgical injury or infection, or those whose gut microbiota is not significantly impacted, may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that use gut bacteria-derived substances to improve recovery and prevent complications after surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team has shown that gut microbiota changes in critically ill humans and mice impact recovery, and they have initial findings on how gut metabolites can influence immune cells.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alverdy, John C — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Alverdy, John C
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.