Understanding how gut cells respond to parasitic infections
Official title: Novel mouse model for studying gut epithelial-cell intrinsic responses to helminth infections
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11012320 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the cells in your gut respond when infected by parasitic worms, aiming to understand the immune reactions involved, which could help us learn more about how these infections impact your health and nutrition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | January 17, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $76,428 |
| NIH project number | 5R03AI182565-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012320 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic gastrointestinal issues or infections caused by helminths.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-parasitic gastrointestinal conditions or those not experiencing any gut-related symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how gut epithelial cells react to infections caused by helminths, which are parasitic worms. Using a novel mouse model, the study aims to explore the immune responses triggered by these infections, particularly focusing on the role of specific immune cells and signaling molecules. By examining the interactions between these cells and the parasites, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms that lead to inflammation and tissue changes in the gut. This could provide insights into how chronic infections affect overall health and nutrition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for patients suffering from chronic helminth infections and related health issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses to similar parasitic infections, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hinterleitner, Reinhard — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Hinterleitner, Reinhard
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.