Understanding how gut bacteria affect immune responses in type 1 diabetes.
Official title: From Gut to Blood: Dissecting the mechanisms of CD4+ T cell pathology in islet autoimmunity across tissue environments.
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10974342 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut might affect the immune system and contribute to type 1 diabetes in children, by comparing the immune responses of kids with the condition to those who are healthy, to find ways to help prevent or treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $805,444 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK140741-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974342 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children under 11 years old who are at risk for or have recently developed type 1 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with type 1 diabetes who are older than 11 years or those with other autoimmune diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of gut microbiota in the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D) by examining how bacterial colonization influences immune responses in children. The study focuses on CD4+ T cells, which are crucial for immune function, and analyzes their behavior in both T1D patients and healthy individuals. By comparing immune responses and microbial diversity, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to autoimmune reactions in T1D. This could help identify potential therapeutic targets or preventive strategies for at-risk individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating type 1 diabetes by targeting gut microbiota.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the link between gut microbiota and autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Su, Laura — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Su, Laura
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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.