Understanding Gut Infections Using Lab-Grown Intestinal Models
Official title: Human Gastrointestinal Biomimetics for Enteric Bacterial Infections
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11099870 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project uses tiny lab-grown models of human intestines to learn more about bacterial infections that cause diarrhea, especially in children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2015 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $408,371 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AI116497-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11099870 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research could eventually benefit children, immunocompromised individuals, and travelers who suffer from persistent diarrheal illnesses caused by specific bacterial infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose diarrheal illnesses are not caused by enteric bacterial infections or who do not experience persistent symptoms may not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Our bodies' intestinal lining is a complex environment where bacteria, both good and bad, interact with our cells. This project uses tiny, lab-grown models of human intestines, called organoids, to better understand how certain bacterial infections take hold. We are focusing on a type of E. coli that causes persistent diarrhea, particularly in children and those with weakened immune systems. By studying how this bacteria attaches to different intestinal models, we hope to uncover why some people are more prone to infection than others. This knowledge is crucial for developing new ways to fight these challenging infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments or prevention strategies for severe diarrheal diseases, especially those resistant to current antibiotics.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work by this team has successfully used human intestinal organoids to understand how this specific type of E. coli causes disease.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maresso, Anthony W — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Maresso, Anthony W
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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.