Understanding how fetal membranes and immune cells respond to infections
Official title: Mechanisms regulating fetal membrane and neutrophil responses to infection
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11032038 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the body's immune response works in pregnant women when there’s a bacterial infection, especially how certain immune cells help fight the infection and what happens to the membranes around the baby; the goal is to find ways to better prevent or manage infections during pregnancy, which could help keep both moms and babies healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | February 9, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $682,255 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI181779-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032038 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals at risk of chorioamnionitis or those experiencing symptoms of bacterial infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those without any risk factors for chorioamnionitis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the inflammatory response of fetal membranes to bacterial infections, particularly focusing on how neutrophils, a type of immune cell, are recruited to the site of infection. The study aims to uncover the mechanisms by which these membranes can both protect against and contribute to inflammation and tissue injury. By examining the roles of specific immune receptors and signaling pathways, the research seeks to clarify the complex interactions that occur during chorioamnionitis, a condition linked to preterm birth. Patients may benefit from insights gained into preventing or managing infections during pregnancy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing preterm birth and managing infections during pregnancy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses to infections, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abrahams, Vikki M — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Abrahams, Vikki M
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.