Investigating how certain compounds in the vagina affect immune responses and cervical health to prevent preterm birth.
Official title: Polyamine modification of host immune responses and oxidative balance in the cervicovaginal space: potential mechanisms governing cervical remodeling in preterm birth
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10856078 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain natural substances in the vagina, called polyamines, can help keep the immune system balanced and protect against changes in the cervix that might lead to preterm birth, especially for women who are at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 5, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $701,720 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD114611-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10856078 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women with a Lactobacillus-deplete vaginal microbiota who are at risk for preterm birth.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a Lactobacillus-deplete microbiota or are not pregnant may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of vaginal metabolites, specifically polyamines like spermidine and spermine, in maintaining immune balance and preventing cervical changes that can lead to preterm birth. By studying the vaginal microbiome and its interaction with these compounds, the research aims to understand how they can enhance the integrity of the cervicovaginal barrier. The approach involves analyzing microbial ecosystems and their metabolites to identify potential therapeutic targets for women at risk of preterm birth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help prevent preterm birth by improving cervical health and immune responses.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on vaginal polyamines is novel, related research has shown promising results in understanding the role of microbiota and metabolites in pregnancy outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gerson, Kristin Ducrest — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Gerson, Kristin Ducrest
Related research
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Polyamine effects on cervicovaginal health and cervical remodeling in preterm birth
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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.