Understanding why rotavirus vaccines may not work well in some children

Intestinal microbiota-mediated rotavirus vaccine failure

NIH-funded research Georgia State University · NIH-10892170

This study is looking at how the bacteria in kids' tummies might influence how well rotavirus vaccines work, with the hope of finding ways to make these vaccines more effective, especially for children in developing countries.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionGeorgia State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project IDNIH-10892170 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the gut microbiota, the community of bacteria in our intestines, affects the effectiveness of rotavirus vaccines in children. By studying the differences in gut bacteria between children who respond well to the vaccine and those who do not, researchers aim to identify specific bacteria that may hinder vaccine efficacy. The study involves analyzing fecal samples and using bioreactor systems to observe how these bacteria interact with the vaccine. Ultimately, the goal is to improve vaccine responses in children, especially in developing countries where vaccine failure is more common.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years, particularly those living in developing countries where rotavirus vaccine efficacy is low.

Not a fit: Patients who are older than 11 years or those who have already received the rotavirus vaccine may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved rotavirus vaccines that are more effective for children in diverse environments.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that gut microbiota can significantly influence vaccine responses, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Atlanta, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.