Understanding how early microbial exposure affects immune cell function
Official title: Investigating the Role of the Microbiome in Mononuclear Phagocyte Function
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10998338 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being around germs when we're young can shape our immune system, especially certain immune cells that help keep us healthy, and it aims to find ways to prevent issues like asthma and inflammatory bowel disease later in life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 8, 2024 |
| Project end | July 7, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI181447-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10998338 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of inflammatory disorders such as asthma or inflammatory bowel disease, particularly those with early life microbial exposure concerns.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any inflammatory conditions or those who are not within the age range of interest may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to microbes during early life influences the development and function of immune cells, particularly mononuclear phagocytes, which play a key role in the immune response. By examining how these cells respond to microbes, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that establish immune tolerance and prevent inflammatory diseases later in life. The research involves analyzing the interactions between these immune cells and microbes to better understand their roles in conditions like asthma and inflammatory bowel disease. The findings could lead to new therapies that target the root causes of these inflammatory disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that prevent or mitigate inflammatory diseases in children and adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the microbiome in immune function, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Amanda — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Chen, Amanda
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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.