Understanding Gut Microbes to Improve Vaccine Protection
Exploiting the microbiota-stromal cell axis for microbiota-targeted medicine
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11170748
This research explores how the tiny organisms in our gut influence our body's response to vaccines, especially for those who don't get full protection.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11170748 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many people, including infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, don't always get the full benefit from vaccines. We know that the community of microbes in our digestive system, called the gut microbiota, plays a big part in how our immune system works. This project aims to understand exactly how these gut microbes communicate with specific immune cells to improve vaccine effectiveness. By uncovering these connections, we hope to find new ways to boost vaccine protection for everyone.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant to individuals, particularly infants, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, who may experience weaker vaccine responses.
Not a fit: Patients who consistently achieve strong vaccine protection may not directly benefit from this specific research focus on improving suboptimal responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies, like diet changes or specific microbe-based treatments, to make vaccines more effective for vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have performed: While there is growing interest and some prior work suggesting a link between gut microbiota and immune responses, the precise mechanisms explored here are still largely unknown.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WU, MENG — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: WU, MENG
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.