How maternal obesity affects the immune system of newborns
Maternal obesity and neonatal innate immunity
This study looks at how being overweight before pregnancy can affect the immune system of newborns, helping us understand why some babies might be more prone to infections and illnesses.
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 ID | NIH-10910037 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of maternal obesity on the developing immune system of newborns. It focuses on understanding how obesity before pregnancy influences fetal health, particularly in relation to susceptibility to infections and inflammatory diseases. By using a rhesus macaque model, the study aims to explore the differences in immune responses in various fetal tissues, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms involved. This approach allows for a detailed examination of how maternal health can shape the immune development of infants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women with obesity who are in their third trimester.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those with normal pre-pregnancy weight may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for newborns by identifying how maternal obesity affects their immune systems.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that maternal health significantly impacts fetal development, suggesting that this research could build on established findings.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Messaoudi, Ilhem — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Messaoudi, Ilhem
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 below.