Investigating how T cells and IL-9 affect preterm labor and birth
Official title: T Cells and IL-9 Signaling at the Maternal-Fetal Interface in Preterm Labor and Birth
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10945667 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells and a protein called IL-9 might affect preterm labor and birth, and how vitamin D could help prevent these issues, using mouse models to learn more about what happens during pregnancy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 17, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $545,686 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI184481-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10945667 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals at risk of preterm labor, particularly those with a history of preterm births or other related complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those with known infectious causes of preterm labor may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of T cells and the cytokine IL-9 at the maternal-fetal interface in cases of preterm labor and birth. The study aims to uncover the mechanisms by which IL-9 contributes to preterm birth and the negative effects on offspring, as well as how vitamin D may help prevent these outcomes. Researchers will explore the interactions between immune cells and tissues during pregnancy, using mouse models to test their hypotheses. The findings could lead to new insights into the causes of preterm labor and potential therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for preterm labor, potentially reducing the incidence of preterm births and associated complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated the importance of immune signaling in pregnancy, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights, although the specific focus on IL-9 and T cells in this context is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gomez-Lopez, Nardhy — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Gomez-Lopez, Nardhy
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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.