Flu-triggered immune signals in pregnancy
Official title: Control of influenza virus induced type I interferon signaling during pregnancy
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11224052 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at whether a hormone-linked signaling pathway helps protect unborn babies from harmful immune reactions caused by influenza in pregnant people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $743,779 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI168107-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11224052 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Pregnant people—especially those exposed to or recovering from influenza or willing to donate pregnancy-related samples—would be the most relevant participants if human participation is included.
✕Less likely to help
People who are not pregnant or whose health issues are unrelated to pregnancy or viral respiratory infections are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
What this research studies
The research team used a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas genetic screen to find a hormone-related pathway (GPER1) that appears to shield fetal tissues from type I interferon signals produced during maternal flu infection. In laboratory models, disrupting this pathway caused fetal problems as severe as direct congenital infections, while having little effect on the mother's illness. The protective activity was specific to reproductive and fetal tissues. The goal is to better understand and eventually control these immune signals during pregnancy to keep fetuses safe from virus-driven damage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to ways to protect pregnancies from fetal harm caused by maternal influenza and similar viral infections.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies showed type I interferons can harm fetal development, but identifying and targeting a GPER1-dependent protective pathway is a newer finding still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heaton, Nicholas S — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Heaton, Nicholas S
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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.