How maternal microbes affect fetal immune development
Official title: Microbial-induced maternal factors that influence fetal immune development
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10929293 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the germs in a mother's body can help shape her baby's immune system during pregnancy, focusing on how tiny particles and immune cells from the mother communicate with the fetus, which could help us understand how a mother's health affects her baby's well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 14, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $296,926 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD113192-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10929293 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals who are interested in understanding how their health and microbial exposure may affect their baby's immune system.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who have already given birth may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of maternal microbes in shaping the immune development of fetuses during pregnancy. It focuses on two key mechanisms of communication between the mother and fetus: extracellular vesicles, which carry important proteins and genetic material, and maternal microchimeric cells, which are immune cells transferred from the mother to the fetus. By studying these processes in a more natural microbial environment, the research aims to uncover how maternal health and microbial exposure influence fetal immune responses. This could lead to a better understanding of pregnancy outcomes and fetal health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve our understanding of how maternal health impacts fetal immune development, potentially leading to better prenatal care and outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of studying maternal microbes in this context is relatively novel, previous research has shown that maternal health significantly influences fetal development.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schuldt, Nathan — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Schuldt, Nathan
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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.