Understanding how gut and blood microbes affect the immune system in sepsis
Official title: Unraveling effects of gut and blood microbial signatures on immune phenotypes and organ dysfunction in sepsis
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11022137 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the germs in your gut and blood work together and affect your immune system when you have sepsis, with the hope of finding new ways to help improve treatment for this serious condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $403,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156920-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11022137 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with sepsis who are experiencing critical illness.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-sepsis related critical illnesses or those who are not critically ill may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between gut and blood microbial communities and their impact on immune responses in patients with sepsis. By analyzing microbial signatures and their effects on immune phenotypes, the study aims to uncover how these interactions contribute to organ dysfunction during sepsis. The approach includes advanced sequencing techniques to identify specific microbial products and their roles in immune signaling. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance our understanding of sepsis and inform potential therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve immune responses and reduce mortality in sepsis patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of gut microbiota in immune responses, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Serbanescu, Mara Alexandra — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Serbanescu, Mara Alexandra
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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.