Understanding how immune cells affect pregnancy and protect against infections.
Role of maternal-fetal interface NK cells in pregnancy maintenance and congenital CMV transmission
['FUNDING_R01'] · WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV · NIH-11049013
This study is looking at how special immune cells called natural killer (NK) cells help keep both mom and baby healthy during pregnancy, especially in fighting off infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV), and it’s for anyone interested in understanding more about how the body protects the fetus while allowing it to grow.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11049013 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of natural killer (NK) cells at the maternal-fetal interface during pregnancy. It aims to understand how these immune cells help maintain pregnancy while also protecting the fetus from infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV). The study utilizes both human samples and a nonhuman primate model to explore the dynamics of these immune cells throughout different stages of pregnancy. By examining the interactions between maternal NK cells and the fetus, the research seeks to fill gaps in knowledge regarding fetal tolerance and pathogen defense.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals, particularly those with a history of cytomegalovirus infection or complications during pregnancy.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those without any history of immune-related pregnancy complications may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing congenital infections and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding immune cell functions during pregnancy, but this specific focus on NK cells and CMV transmission is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PERMAR, SALLIE R. — WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV
- Study coordinator: PERMAR, SALLIE R.
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.