Understanding Mucosal Infections with Human Organoids
Human Biomimetics for Mucosal Infections
This project creates advanced human organoid models to better understand how common airway and gut infections affect people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11099856 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are building tiny, 3D models of human organs like the nose, lungs, and intestines, called organoids, to learn more about infections. These advanced models will include immune cells, nerve cells, and even the body's natural bacteria to mimic real human conditions more closely. By using organoids from many different donors, the team hopes to see how individual genetic differences affect how people respond to infections. This work aims to provide a clearer picture of how infections take hold and progress in the body, which is difficult to achieve with current animal or cell models.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation, but future studies stemming from this work could benefit individuals susceptible to or suffering from severe airway and gut infections.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention will not find direct benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of how infections affecting the airways and gut develop, potentially paving the way for new treatments and prevention strategies.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon substantial prior progress, including 42 publications from a previously funded center, indicating a strong foundation in this area.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Estes, Mary Kolb — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Estes, Mary Kolb
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.