Using placental stem cells to treat a serious intestinal disease in premature infants
Therapeutic Mechanisms of Placental Stem Cell-Based Therapy in Necrotizing Enterocolitis
This study is looking at how placental stem cells might help treat necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature babies by repairing their intestines and reducing inflammation, with the goal of finding new ways to help them recover.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10917358 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of placental stem cells as a potential therapy for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a severe intestinal condition affecting premature infants. The study aims to understand how these stem cells can help repair the intestinal lining and reduce inflammation, which are critical for recovery from NEC. By exploring the mechanisms of how these cells work, the research hopes to develop new, effective treatments for this life-threatening condition. The approach includes laboratory experiments and analysis of how these cells interact with the immune system and intestinal cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants at risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis.
Not a fit: Patients who are not premature or do not have necrotizing enterocolitis may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve survival rates and outcomes for premature infants suffering from NEC.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of placental stem cells in this context is relatively novel, preliminary studies have shown promising results in related areas of research.
Where this research is happening
Winston-Salem, United States
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences — Winston-Salem, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weis, Victoria — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Weis, Victoria
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.