How maternal health affects the immune system of the fetus

Relationship between maternal and fetal immune responses

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10908384

This study is looking at how a mother's health, especially if she has conditions like HIV, can affect her baby's immune system as it develops, and it aims to help us understand how mothers and babies communicate through their immune systems to improve the long-term health of these infants.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10908384 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between maternal and fetal immune responses, focusing on how maternal health conditions, such as HIV exposure, can influence the developing immune system of the fetus. The study will analyze various biological factors, including maternal metabolites and immune signaling molecules, to understand how they may affect the fetus's immune development. By examining samples from mothers and their infants, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms of communication between maternal and fetal immune systems. This could lead to insights into the long-term health of infants born to mothers with certain medical conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women, particularly those with HIV or other chronic health conditions that may impact fetal immune development.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those whose pregnancies are not affected by maternal health conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for infants by identifying ways to mitigate the risks associated with maternal health conditions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that maternal health significantly impacts fetal development, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.