Blocking TNFR2 to prevent chlamydia-related infertility
TNFR2 blockade prevention of STI infertility
This project tests whether blocking the TNFR2 protein can stop damaging inflammation from chlamydia infections and help protect people from pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159793 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers are trying to stop chlamydia infections from causing pelvic inflammation that can lead to ectopic pregnancy and infertility by targeting a protein called TNFR2. They will use a humanized mouse model that carries human TNF/TNFR genes to compare infection, bacterial shedding, and reproductive tract damage with standard mice. The team will create and test humanized versions of an anti-TNFR2 antibody in human immune cells (PBMCs) to find the most effective antibody types. Promising antibody versions will be tested in the mouse model for their ability to prevent the inflammation and infertility seen after chlamydia infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had chlamydia infections or are at high risk for recurrent chlamydia and pelvic inflammatory disease would be the eventual candidates for related treatments or future trials.
Not a fit: Patients whose infertility is unrelated to chlamydia or who have other causes of reproductive damage are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to a therapy that prevents chlamydia-related pelvic inflammatory disease and preserves fertility.
How similar studies have performed: Prior mouse-model data suggest TNFR2 blockade can reduce chlamydia-associated damage, but this approach remains largely preclinical and has not yet been tested as a human therapy.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnson, Raymond Morris — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Johnson, Raymond Morris
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.