Understanding how gut bacteria influence immune cells in the brain
Official title: Investigating the mechanism and role of the steady-state CXCR3-CXCL10 gut-microbiota-brain T cell axis
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11044978 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut can change the way certain immune cells in the brain work, which could help us understand more about brain health and conditions that affect it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | December 19, 2023 |
| Project end | October 18, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $44,270 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NS130957-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044978 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals with conditions that may be influenced by gut-brain interactions, particularly those with neurological disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with purely peripheral immune disorders unrelated to brain function or gut health may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the unique immune response of the brain compared to the rest of the body, focusing on how gut bacteria affect T cells in the brain. It examines the role of specific immune cells, particularly CD4 T cells, and how their presence and function can be altered by changes in gut microbiota. By using mouse models, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind T cell trafficking to the brain and how these processes might influence neurological health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into how gut health impacts brain function and immune responses, potentially informing treatments for neurological diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the gut-brain axis, but this specific investigation into steady-state conditions is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yoshida, Tomomi Marie — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Yoshida, Tomomi Marie
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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.