Lactobacillus helpers to support healthy pregnancies
Official title: Impact of Lactobacillus effectors across gestation
Funded at Tufts University Medford · NIH-11604131 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small study will test how friendly vaginal bacteria produce anti-inflammatory compounds that may protect pregnancy by reducing harmful inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Medford NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $357,567 |
| NIH project number | 7R21HD120939-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11604131 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with or at risk for vaginal dysbiosis where lactobacilli are reduced and inflammation is present.
✕Less likely to help
People without vaginal inflammation or those not affected by dysbiosis may see little to no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project studies natural products from lactobacilli in the vagina and how they affect early pregnancy. Researchers will apply lactobacilli-derived compounds directly to human endometrial cells in the lab and observe changes in important pregnancy-related markers. The work also involves testing whether these compounds can lessen inflammatory signals that are linked to adverse outcomes in pregnancy. The study uses mouse models to explore how these compounds influence fetal survival and then relates those findings to human cells. This could pave the way for new ways to support healthy pregnancies in the future.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new, inflammation-reducing approaches to promote healthy pregnancy outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows lactobacilli can produce anti-inflammatory compounds that modulate immune responses, with promising preclinical results.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Medford
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gopinath, Smita — Tufts University Medford
- Study coordinator: Gopinath, Smita
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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.