Investigating immune cells at the placenta during pregnancy
Official title: Rat model for investigating NK cells at the uterine-placental interface
Funded at Oklahoma State University Stillwater · NIH-10790657 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called natural killer (NK) cells work with the placenta during pregnancy in rats, which could help us understand issues like preeclampsia and ensure healthy growth for babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma State University Stillwater NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stillwater, United States) |
| Project start | September 9, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $155,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HD113945-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10790657 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals at risk for complications such as preeclampsia or placental abruption.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those with no history of placental complications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how natural killer (NK) cells interact with the placenta during pregnancy, particularly in rats. By examining the role of these immune cells at the uterine-placental interface, the study aims to uncover how they contribute to the development of the placenta and the remodeling of uterine blood vessels. The research utilizes a rat model to explore these interactions, which could provide insights into complications such as preeclampsia and placental abruption. The findings may help identify mechanisms that ensure healthy fetal growth and development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of pregnancy complications related to placental function.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding immune cell interactions in pregnancy, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Oklahoma State University Stillwater
Stillwater, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Iqbal, Khursheed — Oklahoma State University Stillwater
- Study coordinator: Iqbal, Khursheed
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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.