Understanding how gut bacteria affect Type 1 diabetes in the pancreas and blood
From Gut to Blood: Dissecting the mechanisms of CD4+ T cell pathology in islet autoimmunity across tissue environments.
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11136428
This research explores how gut bacteria might contribute to Type 1 diabetes by looking at immune cells in children with the condition.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11136428 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease influenced by both genetics and environmental factors, including the bacteria living in our gut. We know that changes in gut bacteria have been seen in children who develop Type 1 diabetes, and these microbes might trigger the immune system to mistakenly attack the body's own cells. This project looks closely at specific immune cells, called CD4+ T cells, from the gut and pancreas of people with recent-onset Type 1 diabetes and healthy donors. By comparing these cells, we hope to learn how these interactions lead to the disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research focuses on understanding Type 1 diabetes, particularly in children who have recently developed the condition, and also uses samples from healthy organ donors.
Not a fit: Patients without Type 1 diabetes or those not involved in the specific sample donation programs would not directly benefit from this particular research project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat Type 1 diabetes by targeting the gut microbiome or specific immune responses.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that gut bacteria can influence autoimmunity in animal models and that microbial changes are present in children who develop Type 1 diabetes, suggesting this is a promising area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SU, LAURA — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: SU, LAURA
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 below.
Conditions: Autoimmune Diseases