Examining how gut bacteria affect vaccine response in IBD patients

Determining the Relationship Between Gut Microbiota and Immune Response to Influenza or COVID-19 Vaccine in Immunosuppressed Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Observational University of Wisconsin, Madison · NCT05584735

This study is trying to see how gut bacteria affect how well people with inflammatory bowel diseases respond to flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 64 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Wisconsin, Madison Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsinfliximab, golimumab, adalimumab, certolizumab, Ustekinumab, Vedolizumab, Risankizumab, Tofacitinib, Upadactinib, methotrexate
Locations1 site (Madison, Wisconsin)
Trial IDNCT05584735 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the impact of gut microbiota on the immune response to influenza and COVID-19 vaccines in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) who are immunosuppressed. Participants will be vaccinated according to standard care, and their blood, fecal, and saliva samples will be collected to assess immune response and characterize gut microbiome diversity. The study hypothesizes that lower microbial diversity may correlate with a reduced vaccine response, providing insights into how gut health influences vaccine efficacy in this vulnerable population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with a documented history of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis who are currently receiving immunosuppressive therapy.

Not a fit: Patients without inflammatory bowel diseases or those not on immunosuppressive therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved vaccination strategies for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, enhancing their immune response.

How similar studies have performed: While the relationship between gut microbiota and vaccine response is an emerging field, similar studies have shown promising results, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* A history of chronic (greater than 3 month) ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease diagnosed and documented by the standard clinical, radiographic, endoscopic, and histopathologic criteria
* Currently one of the following groups:

  1. Group A: Anti-TNF Therapy Group

     * Maintenance monotherapy: infliximab (at least every 8 weeks), golimumab (at least monthly), adalimumab (at least every 2 weeks), or certolizumab (at least monthly)
     * Combination Therapy: Anti-TNF Combination Therapy Group on anti-TNF therapy as described above along with either methotrexate, azathioprine, or 6MP
  2. Group B: Non-TNG biologic

     * Ustekinumab Therapy: on either ustekinumab monotherapy or combination therapy with methotrexate, azathioprine, or 6MP
     * Vedolizumab Therapy: on either vedolizumab monotherapy or combination therapy with methotrexate, azathioprine, or 6MP
     * Risankizumab Therapy: 360mg at least every 8 weeks
  3. Group C: Janus Kinase Therapy

     * Tofacitinib Therapy: at least 5mg PO BID
     * Upadactinib Therapy: at least 15mg PO daily
* Patient has been on stable treatment for IBD for at least three months
* Must be able to provide research samples between 28-65 days post influenza or Covid-19 vaccination.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Member of a vulnerable group (pregnant, lacking consent capacity, non-English speaking)
* Recent oral antibiotics within previous 2 months

Where this trial is running

Madison, Wisconsin

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Inflammatory Bowel DiseasesCrohn's diseaseulcerative colitis
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.