Understanding how IL-27 protects against infections during pregnancy
IL-27 is a protective cytokine during congenital infection
This work explores how a natural protein called IL-27 helps protect babies from infections they might get before 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 ID | NIH-11176047 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
During pregnancy, the body's immune system needs to be carefully balanced to protect both the mother and the baby. Proteins called cytokines play a big role in this balance, acting as messengers that can either boost or calm the immune response. We are learning more about a specific cytokine, IL-27, which we believe acts as a protective shield against infections that can be passed from mother to baby. Our goal is to understand exactly how IL-27 works to regulate inflammation and fight off viruses during pregnancy, which could lead to new ways to keep babies healthy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to pregnant individuals and their babies who are at risk for or affected by congenital infections.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing or at risk for congenital infections would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies to prevent or treat congenital infections, improving health outcomes for newborns.
How similar studies have performed: While IL-27's role in general infection and inflammation is known, its specific protective mechanisms during congenital infection are a novel area of focus for this work.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jurado, Kellie Ann — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Jurado, Kellie Ann
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.