How benzene exposure during pregnancy affects fetal immune system development
Official title: Impact of benzene-induced MIA on fetal T cell development
Funded at Wayne State University · NIH-11052651 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being around certain chemicals, like benzene, while pregnant might affect your baby's immune system and health, especially when it comes to breathing problems later on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | March 13, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $335,766 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD111146-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052651 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women who have been exposed to benzene or other volatile organic compounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who have not been exposed to relevant environmental pollutants may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to volatile organic compounds, particularly benzene, during pregnancy influences the development of the fetal immune system. It aims to understand the signaling pathways affected by this exposure, which may lead to inflammation in the placenta and impact the immune response of the fetus. By studying these mechanisms, the research seeks to uncover how maternal exposure to these compounds could affect children's health outcomes, particularly regarding respiratory infections and asthma. The study will involve analyzing the effects of maternal exposure on both placental and fetal inflammation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for respiratory issues and other health problems in children exposed to harmful environmental factors during pregnancy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that environmental exposures during pregnancy can significantly impact fetal development, suggesting that this study's approach is grounded in established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Wayne State University
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mor, Gil G — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Mor, Gil G
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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.