Understanding how gut immune cells interact with microbes and food
Official title: Gut Treg cells at the microbiome interface
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-11047227 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special immune cells called T regulatory cells help keep our gut healthy by working with the foods we eat and the germs in our bodies, especially during important growth stages in life, to find new ways to improve treatments for gut issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | November 18, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $571,091 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI182126-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11047227 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals over 21 years old who may be experiencing gut-related issues or inflammatory conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no gastrointestinal issues or those who are not over 21 years old may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific immune cells, known as T regulatory (Treg) cells, in maintaining a healthy balance in the gut by interacting with the diverse microbes and food we consume. It aims to uncover how these Treg cells develop and change during critical periods of growth, particularly in early life and adulthood. By studying the genetic and environmental factors that influence these immune cells, the research seeks to understand their impact on gut health and inflammation. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for gut-related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for gut-related diseases by enhancing our understanding of immune regulation in the gastrointestinal tract.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of gut microbiota in immune regulation, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Benoist, Christophe O. — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Benoist, Christophe O.
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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.