Sunday, July 6, 2025 7/6/2025

Investigation of Human Gut-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Cellular Therapy

Award Number: R15AI176177
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/17/2024
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2027

Group Awards By:

View Award Description

Investigation of Human Gut-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Cellular Therapy - Project Summary/Abstract: Cell therapy is an innovative and non-toxic regenerative approach for the treatment of inflammatory and degenerative disorders. Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells (MSCs) are widely being tested as cellular and regenerative therapy and in some countries, it is already approved as standard clinical care for the management of inflammatory bowel disease associated complications. Specifically, Perianal fistula (PF) is a serious complication of Crohn’s Disease (CD) which substantially affects the quality of life of those patients. Treatment options are limited and are not highly effective. MSCs derived from adipose tissue has been approved in Europe for the treatment of complex PF in patients with CD. Although this stem cell therapy is showing efficacy, side effects such as anal abscess, proctalgia, and variations in treatment responses are common which could be due to the allogeneic nature of this cell therapy. The current unmet is the development of an autologous cell therapy strategy with enhanced potency and safety for the treatment of PF. We hypothesize that MSCs derived from the rectum of patients with CD display robust immunosuppressive and regenerative properties that can be used as an autologous cellular therapy. We also hypothesize that rectum derived MSCs’ potency can be further improved with appropriate inflammatory cue mediated preactivation, and thus they can function amidst confounding factors. In the present preclinical research phase, we aim to characterize the potency of rectum derived MSCs from patients with CD. Mercer University School of Medicine’s mission is to educate students to become future physicians and serve rural and underserved regions of Georgia. Involvement of students in this Research Enhancement Award Program will bring exposure and help them to apply cellular therapy in rural health care. The results of this study can inform a second-generation cell therapy approach not only for the management of PF but also for bowel inflammation.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $429,545 )
2024	2024	THE CORPORATION OF MERCER UNIVERSITY	1501 MERCER UNIVERSITY DR	MACON	GA	31207	BIBB	USA	Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research	000	1	7/17/2024	NEW	$387,616
2024	2024	THE CORPORATION OF MERCER UNIVERSITY	1501 MERCER UNIVERSITY DR	MACON	GA	31207	BIBB	USA	Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research	002	1	9/11/2024	NEW	$41,929
2024	2024	THE CORPORATION OF MERCER UNIVERSITY	1501 MERCER UNIVERSITY DR	MACON	GA	31207	BIBB	USA	Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research	001	1	8/12/2024	NEW	$0
														Subtotal = $429,545

Grand Total All Awards = $429,545

Top

All Categories

About

Search

Reports

Data Submission

Award Information

Investigation of Human Gut-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Cellular Therapy

Award Number: R15AI176177

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/17/2024

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2027

Federal Websites

Department of Health & Human Services

HHS Operating Divisions

HHS Staff Divisions

Download A Document Viewer