Understanding how breastfeeding T cells help protect infants from respiratory infections
Elucidating a novel respiratory-mammary axis of T cell immunity
This study is looking at how T cells in breast milk might help protect babies from respiratory infections, and it’s for mothers and their infants to understand how breastfeeding can boost a baby's immune system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Seattle Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11054883 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of T cells found in breast milk and their potential protective effects against respiratory infections in infants. By studying mother-infant pairs, the research aims to understand how maternal respiratory infections influence T cell populations in both the breast and the infant's respiratory tract. The methodology includes analyzing breast milk cells, nasal mucosal cells, and blood samples using advanced sequencing techniques to uncover the relationship between these T cells and immune responses. The ultimate goal is to clarify how breastfeeding may enhance an infant's immunity to respiratory illnesses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are breastfeeding mothers and their infants, particularly those under 11 years old.
Not a fit: Patients who are not breastfeeding or whose infants are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing infant immunity and reducing respiratory infections in young children.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the immune benefits of breastfeeding, but this specific investigation into T cells in breast milk is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Seattle Children's Hospital — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Armistead, Blair — Seattle Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Armistead, Blair
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.