Understanding how a specific immune pathway influences childbirth
The IL-33/ILC2 axis in parturition
This study is looking at how certain immune cells and signals in the body help start labor, which could lead to better treatments for preterm birth, and it's designed for anyone interested in understanding childbirth and improving baby health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10747298 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the IL-33 cytokine and group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) in the process of childbirth. It aims to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms that trigger uterine contractions at term gestation, which are not well understood in humans. By studying these pathways, the research seeks to fill a critical knowledge gap that could lead to better therapies for preterm birth, a significant cause of neonatal health issues. The approach involves using animal models to explore how these immune components interact with hormonal signals during parturition.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals, particularly those at risk for preterm birth.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those who have already experienced childbirth complications unrelated to the immune pathways being studied may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments to prevent preterm birth, improving outcomes for mothers and their infants.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific immune pathway being studied is novel in the context of human parturition, similar approaches have shown promise in animal models, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Erlebacher, Adrian — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Erlebacher, Adrian
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.