Understanding how gut bacteria affect the immune system
Official title: Development of Commensal-Specific T cell Studies
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11119219 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the friendly bacteria in our gut interact with our immune system, which could help us understand and improve treatments for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $74,718 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AI190870-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11119219 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with autoimmune diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, or other conditions related to gut microbiome dysbiosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any autoimmune conditions or gastrointestinal issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between commensal bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and the immune system's response. By developing advanced tools to study T cells that respond to specific bacterial antigens, the research aims to uncover how these interactions influence health and disease, including conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmunity. The approach involves using peptide:MHC tetramers to identify and analyze these T cells in their natural environment, providing insights that could lead to improved treatments for various diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatments for autoimmune diseases and other conditions linked to gut bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the immune system's interaction with gut microbiota, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moon, James J — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Moon, James J
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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.