Immune cells and inflammation in the uterine lining in endometriosis and PCOS
Lymphocyte function in inflammatory disorders of human endometrium and decidua
This research looks at whether T and B immune cells in the uterine lining cause inflammation that may hurt fertility in people with endometriosis or PCOS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11333284 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be asked to give endometrial or early pregnancy (decidual) tissue samples and blood so researchers can measure immune cells in your uterine lining. The team will count T and B cells and profile their gene activity, proteins, and the receptors (TCR/BCR) those cells use to recognize targets. They will also test which antigens those receptors respond to and compare samples across menstrual cycle phases and early pregnancy, and between people with endometriosis, PCOS, and those without these conditions. The goal is to find immune patterns or self-reactive cells that could help explain implantation failure or poor pregnancy outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people of reproductive age with diagnosed endometriosis or PCOS who are trying to conceive or are in early pregnancy and can provide tissue and blood samples.
Not a fit: People whose infertility stems from non-uterine causes, those who cannot provide required tissue or blood samples, and individuals who are postmenopausal are less likely to directly benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new immune-based tests or treatments to improve implantation and pregnancy outcomes for people with endometriosis or PCOS.
How similar studies have performed: Deep immune profiling and receptor sequencing have helped other autoimmune diseases, but applying these methods to the uterine lining is relatively new and mostly untested.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huddleston, Heather G — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Huddleston, Heather G
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.