Using early-life microbes to prevent type 1 diabetes
Official title: Leveraging early-life microbes to prevent type 1 diabetes
Funded at Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · NIH-11058438 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the tiny germs in our bodies when we're young might help keep kids safe from type 1 diabetes, and it's for families who want to learn more about new ways to prevent this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $731,556 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK133453-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058438 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young children, particularly those with a family history of type 1 diabetes or other risk factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already diagnosed with type 1 diabetes or those outside the pediatric age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how early-life microbial communities can influence the immune system to prevent type 1 diabetes (T1D) in children. By studying specific microbial strains in a new gnotobiotic mouse model, researchers aim to understand the relationship between these microbes and the development of T1D. The goal is to identify potential microbiota-based therapies that could be used to protect at-risk individuals from developing this autoimmune disease. This approach combines genetic and environmental factors to explore innovative prevention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent type 1 diabetes in children.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using microbiota to prevent autoimmune diseases is gaining interest, this specific application in pediatric populations is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Silverman, Michael a — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Silverman, Michael a
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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.