Understanding how fetal immune cells behave during development
Official title: Mechanisms Regulating Inflammatory Phenotypes in Fetal Macrophages
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10930057 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called macrophages change during pregnancy, especially as the baby gets closer to being born, to help us understand how these changes might affect the baby's health and immune system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $395,215 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD113215-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930057 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are newborns, especially those born preterm or with inflammatory conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are adults or those without inflammatory conditions related to fetal development may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of macrophages, a type of immune cell, during fetal development, particularly focusing on how these cells change from being tolerant to becoming more inflammatory as the fetus approaches birth. By studying mouse models, the researchers aim to understand the mechanisms that drive these changes, specifically looking at the IKKb/NF-kB signaling pathway. The study will utilize advanced techniques to analyze the immune profiles of fetal macrophages in various tissues, which may help clarify their roles in both protecting the fetus and potentially contributing to inflammatory diseases in newborns. This research could provide insights into how the fetal immune system develops and functions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment of inflammatory diseases in newborns, particularly those born preterm.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding immune cell behavior during development, but this specific focus on fetal macrophages is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Prince, Lawrence S — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Prince, Lawrence S
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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.