Investigating how antibodies can improve maternal and fetal health by targeting specific receptors during pregnancy
Official title: Employing biologics to probe GPCR signaling in maternal and fetal health
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-10889247 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain receptors in the body can help manage high blood pressure during pregnancy, and it aims to find safer and more effective treatments for pregnant people to prevent complications like preeclampsia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $124,278 |
| NIH project number | 5K99HD110612-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10889247 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals experiencing hypertension or at risk of developing preeclampsia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those without hypertension may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in regulating important physiological processes during pregnancy, particularly focusing on the oxytocin receptor and the angiotensin II type I receptor. It aims to understand how antibody fragments can selectively target these receptors to safely manage hypertension in pregnant individuals, which is crucial for preventing complications like preeclampsia. By combining techniques from receptor pharmacology, structural biology, and antibody engineering, the study seeks to develop new therapeutic approaches that avoid the limitations of current treatments. Patients may benefit from a more effective and safer way to manage pregnancy-related hypertension.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective treatments for managing hypertension during pregnancy, improving outcomes for both mothers and babies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that antibody fragments can effectively modulate GPCR signaling, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Skiba, Meredith Anne — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Skiba, Meredith Anne
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.