Using nutrition to enhance immune function in critically ill patients
Official title: Microbiome targeted nutrition to improve immune function during critical illness
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11010333 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special diets can help boost the immune system and recovery for patients who are very sick, by focusing on the good bacteria in their gut.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $54,290 |
| NIH project number | 5F30HL170777-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11010333 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are critically ill patients who are receiving enteral nutrition and may be experiencing immune suppression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not critically ill or those who are not receiving enteral nutrition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how targeted nutrition can improve immune function in patients facing critical illness. It focuses on the relationship between the gut microbiome and immune response, particularly how dietary interventions can help restore immune health and bone marrow function. By understanding the impact of nutrition on the microbiome, the study aims to develop strategies that could prevent infections and improve recovery outcomes for critically ill patients. The approach includes analyzing the effects of enteral nutrition on the microbiome and immune system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved immune function and reduced infection rates in critically ill patients, enhancing their recovery and long-term health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been attempts to improve immune function in critically ill patients, this research is exploring a novel approach by focusing on the gut microbiome's role, which has shown promise in preliminary studies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chatrizeh, Mona — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Chatrizeh, Mona
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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.