Understanding how M cells in the gut help the immune system
Official title: Human M Cells Require Coronin 1a
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10989908 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special cells in your gut that help your immune system by moving important substances to immune cells, and it's for anyone interested in how our bodies fight infections and how we might improve that process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | November 20, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $685,191 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI180038-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10989908 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with gastrointestinal conditions or those interested in immune system health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-gastrointestinal conditions or those not affected by immune system issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of microfold (M) cells in the gut, which are essential for immune surveillance by transporting antigens from the gut lumen to immune cells. The study focuses on understanding the mechanisms of transcytosis, the process by which these cells move substances across the intestinal epithelium. By using human enteroids enriched with M cells, researchers aim to uncover how these cells function under normal conditions and during infections. This knowledge could lead to better strategies for enhancing immune responses or preventing infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatments for gut-related immune disorders and infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding M cell function, indicating that this approach has potential for significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zachos, Nicholas Constantine — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Zachos, Nicholas Constantine
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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.