How a mother's immune reaction can cause newborn low platelets (FNAIT)
Interrogating clinically relevant attributes of maternal alloimmunity in fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia
This project aims to find markers that show which pregnancies are at high risk for severe fetal or newborn low platelets (FNAIT) so affected mothers and babies can get more targeted care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Versiti Blood Health, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11325309 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying the antibodies some pregnant people make that can attack fetal platelets and cause fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT). They will analyze blood and tissue samples, run lab tests, use animal models, and review existing patient records to find immune features linked to severe bleeding such as intracranial hemorrhage. Because direct experiments in pregnant people are limited, the team will combine human samples with experimental models to build diagnostic signals and test prevention ideas. The goal is to develop tests that identify high‑risk pregnancies and guide safer treatments to prevent serious bleeding in fetuses and newborns.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Pregnant people with a prior affected infant, known platelet alloantibodies, or neonates born with unexplained severe thrombocytopenia would be the most likely candidates to participate or benefit.
Not a fit: People without platelet alloantibodies, no history of FNAIT, or unrelated bleeding disorders are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce tests to identify pregnancies at high risk for severe bleeding and support prevention or treatment strategies that reduce brain injury and death in affected infants.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked maternal alloantibodies to newborn thrombocytopenia and animal models have shown antibody‑mediated platelet clearance, but reliable predictive tests and proven prevention strategies remain largely unestablished.
Where this research is happening
Milwaukee, United States
- Versiti Blood Health, INC. — Milwaukee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Newman, Debra Kay — Versiti Blood Health, INC.
- Study coordinator: Newman, Debra Kay
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.