How maternal inflammation during pregnancy affects the development of intestinal cells in babies

Effect of fetal exposure to maternal inflammation on offspring Paneth cell development and homeostasis

NIH-funded research University of California at Davis · NIH-10873834

This study looks at how inflammation in mothers during preterm births might affect the development of important gut cells in their babies, with the goal of finding ways to help protect newborns' gut health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California at Davis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Davis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10873834 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of maternal inflammation, particularly during preterm births, on the development of Paneth cells in infants. It focuses on understanding how exposure to inflammatory cytokines, like interleukin-6 (IL-6), can lead to a decrease in these important intestinal cells, which play a crucial role in gut health. By exploring the mechanisms behind this process, the research aims to identify potential interventions that could mitigate the adverse effects of maternal inflammation on newborns' intestinal health. The study employs a combination of laboratory techniques and animal models to elucidate these pathways.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants born preterm who have been exposed to maternal inflammation, particularly those diagnosed with chorioamnionitis.

Not a fit: Patients who are full-term infants or those without any exposure to maternal inflammation during pregnancy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing intestinal injuries in infants exposed to maternal inflammation during pregnancy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the role of inflammatory cytokines in fetal development can lead to significant insights, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Davis, 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 Bacterial Infections
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.