Polyamine effects on cervicovaginal health and cervical remodeling in preterm birth
Official title: Polyamine modification of host immune responses and oxidative balance in the cervicovaginal space: potential mechanisms governing cervical remodeling in preterm birth
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11378476 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at a major university university will explore how vaginal polyamines influence immune balance and barrier health to help understand and prevent preterm birth.
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 | August 5, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $683,425 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD114611-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11378476 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Pregnant individuals at risk for or with a Lactobacillus-deplete vaginal microbiota who are undergoing clinical assessment or sampling in obstetric care.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals with a Lactobacillus-dominated vaginal microbiota or those not at risk for preterm birth may not directly benefit from this mechanism-focused research.
What this research studies
This project will examine how metabolites called polyamines (spermidine and spermine) in the vagina affect local immune responses and the epithelial barrier, especially when the vaginal microbiome lacks Lactobacillus. Researchers will analyze microbial communities and host metabolites in CV samples, and test how polyamines modulate inflammation and oxidative stress that can lead to cervical remodeling. The work will combine human samples with mechanistic studies to link microbiome features to barrier integrity and PTB risk. Findings could identify targets for postbiotic therapies to support cervical health in pregnancy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new ways to reduce the risk of preterm birth by boosting vaginal barrier function and immune balance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked vaginal microbiome and metabolite profiles to PTB risk, with polyamines showing promise as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gerson, Kristin Ducrest — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Gerson, Kristin Ducrest
Related research
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Understanding how vaginal polyamines affect immunity and cervical changes in preterm birth
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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.