Blocking TNFR2 to prevent chlamydia-related infertility
Official title: TNFR2 blockade prevention of STI infertility
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11159793 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $125,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD113862-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11159793 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose infertility is unrelated to chlamydia or who have other causes of reproductive damage are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnson, Raymond Morris — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Johnson, Raymond Morris
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Molecular clues to endometriosis-related infertility
This grant explores how molecular changes in endometriosis contribute to infertility, with the aim of finding better ways to diagnose and treat the condition.
-
Oral FSH receptor activator drugs to lower infertility treatment costs
A new oral drug approach aims to improve fertility treatments by using a small molecule that activates the FSH receptor, potentially making infertility care more affordable.
-
Prediction of ART outcomes for male factor infertility using single-molecule chromatin stenciling in sperm
A new test called sperm Fiber-seq is being developed to better predict how well ART will work for couples dealing with male-factor infertility.
-
TLR4 blocker for improving fertility in PCOS
A promising, already-approved drug (disulfiram) will be tested to see if it can reduce inflammation and improve ovulation in women with PCOS.
-
Innovative 3D-printed vaginal ring for progesterone delivery to support IVF pregnancies
A new 3D-printed vaginal ring delivers progesterone over 28 days for IVF patients, aiming to improve pregnancy success with fewer rings and less frequent dosing.
-
Genetics of Male Infertility: Accelerating Discovery and Clinical Impact
This grant aims to uncover the genetic causes of male infertility (azoospermia) to improve diagnosis and pave the way for personalized treatments.
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.