Understanding how a mother's immune cells protect pregnancy
Maternal B cells in health and disease.
This work explores how a mother's immune cells, called B cells, and their antibodies interact with the placenta to maintain a healthy pregnancy and protect against infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11162380 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are learning how a mother's immune system normally prevents harmful responses to the placenta, which is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. Our team has found two natural 'checkpoints' that help control these immune responses. One checkpoint involves special sugars on placental cells that tell B cells not to attack. The second checkpoint ensures that even if some anti-placental antibodies are present, they are modified to be less harmful. Understanding these checkpoints could help us prevent pregnancy complications and design better vaccines for mothers and their babies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant for pregnant individuals or those planning pregnancy, as it seeks to understand immune processes critical for maternal and child health.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing or planning pregnancy, or those without conditions related to maternal immune responses, may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent pregnancy complications and improve vaccine strategies to protect both mothers and children from infections.
How similar studies have performed: This work builds upon the team's previously published findings and new preliminary data, suggesting a foundation of prior success in this area.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rizzuto, Gabrielle a — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Rizzuto, Gabrielle a
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 below.