Investigating how HLA-F affects immune interactions between mother and fetus during early pregnancy
Official title: HLA-F in maternal-fetal immune crosstalks
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10934329 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special molecule called HLA-F helps the baby’s cells communicate with the mom’s immune system during the first trimester of pregnancy, to better understand how it helps keep the baby safe and healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 22, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $199,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI183287-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10934329 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals in their first trimester who are experiencing normal pregnancies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those in later stages of pregnancy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the immune communication between maternal and fetal cells during the first trimester of pregnancy, focusing on a specific molecule called HLA-F. The study aims to understand how HLA-F, expressed on fetal cells known as extravillous trophoblasts, interacts with maternal immune cells to protect the fetus from rejection. By examining these interactions, researchers hope to uncover the role of HLA-F in establishing a healthy pregnancy. The methodology involves analyzing the expression of HLA-F and its effects on immune cell behavior in the maternal-fetal interface.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of pregnancy maintenance and potentially reduce complications related to fetal rejection.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of HLA-F in maternal-fetal immune interactions is less understood, similar studies on other HLA molecules have shown promising results in understanding immune tolerance during pregnancy.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bouvier, Marlene — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Bouvier, Marlene
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.