Investigating how IL-27 protects during congenital infections
Official title: IL-27 is a protective cytokine during congenital infection
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10780182 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance called IL-27 helps manage the immune system during pregnancy, especially in protecting both moms and their babies from infections, to find ways to improve health outcomes for both.
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 | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $556,002 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI180138-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10780182 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals who are at risk of congenital infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not have a risk of congenital infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of the cytokine IL-27 in regulating immune responses during pregnancy, particularly at the maternal-fetal interface. It aims to understand how IL-27 can act as both a pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory agent, depending on the context, and how it influences viral infections. By studying the mechanisms of IL-27 signaling, the research seeks to uncover its protective effects against congenital infections, which could improve outcomes for both mothers and their developing fetuses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies to enhance maternal and fetal health during infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results regarding the role of cytokines in pregnancy, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jurado, Kellie Ann — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Jurado, Kellie Ann
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.