How immune cells affect ovulation in women
Official title: The Impact of Leukocyte-derived Cytokines on Ovulation in Humans
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11175525 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in your body might affect the ovulation process, especially for women undergoing in vitro fertilization, by examining samples from your ovaries to better understand the connection between your immune system and reproductive health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | August 22, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $364,344 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD115554-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11175525 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include women undergoing in vitro fertilization who may have difficulties achieving pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing fertility treatments or have no issues with ovulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of leukocyte-derived cytokines in the ovulation process in women. By analyzing follicular aspirates from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization, the study aims to identify how these immune cells influence hormonal changes and metabolic shifts during ovulation. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize the expression of cytokines and their receptors in ovarian follicles. This approach seeks to fill a critical knowledge gap regarding the interplay between immune responses and reproductive physiology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into fertility treatments and improve outcomes for women struggling to conceive.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of immune cells in ovulation is a relatively novel area of research, preliminary findings suggest that similar approaches have shown promise in understanding reproductive processes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Choi, Yohan — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Choi, Yohan
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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.