Understanding how gut bacteria affect the risk of graft-versus-host disease after stem cell transplants
Official title: New data science approaches to visualize and understand the impact of the microbiome on risk of graft-versus-host disease
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11023128 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might affect the risk of developing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after a stem cell transplant, and it aims to create easy-to-use tools that help doctors understand this connection better to improve patient care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $243,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL158796-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11023128 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation for blood disorders such as acute leukemia or aplastic anemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing stem cell transplantation or those with conditions unrelated to blood disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the gut microbiome in influencing the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation. By analyzing the composition of gut bacteria, the study aims to develop new data science methods to visualize and interpret microbiome data, which can help predict and potentially reduce the incidence of GVHD. The researchers will create user-friendly tools for both visualization and prediction, making it easier for clinicians to understand microbiome profiles and their implications for patient care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for predicting and preventing graft-versus-host disease, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of stem cell transplants.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the microbiome's role in various health conditions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights, although the specific application to GVHD is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
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University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peterson, Christine B — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Peterson, Christine B
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Targeting early oral GVHD to improve mouth health after stem cell transplant
A study at UW–Madison will explore why some transplant patients develop painful oral GVHD and test ideas to prevent and lessen mouth-related problems.
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Microbiome-based therapy for treatment-refractory GVHD after stem cell transplant
A microbiome-based therapy is being developed to help people who have graft-versus-host disease that doesn’t respond to standard treatments after a stem cell transplant.
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Role of altered mitochondria in preventing GVHD after stem cell transplant
This NIH grant explores how damaged mitochondria released during pre-transplant conditioning may trigger graft-versus-host disease and tests ways to fix mitochondrial dynamics to prevent GVHD.
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Fecal transplant plus fiber to treat graft-versus-host disease after blood stem cell transplant
A study to see if giving fecal transplant along with dietary fiber helps gut health and reduces complications in patients who have received a stem cell transplant and developed graft-versus-host disease.
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Using medium-chain fatty acids and a fat-sensing receptor to treat chronic graft-versus-host disease
This project looks at whether changing medium‑chain fatty acids or blocking a fat sensor called GPR84 can help people with chronic graft‑versus‑host disease after a bone marrow/stem cell transplant.
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Microbiome-based oral therapy for gut GVHD after stem cell transplant
Researchers are testing an oral live Biotherapeutic Product to help the gut microbiome improve graft-versus-host disease after stem cell transplant patients.
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.