Understanding how maternal antibodies help protect newborns from allergies

Mechanism and function of transplacental IgD

NIH-funded research Wayne State University · NIH-10861768

This study is looking at how a special antibody called IgD helps protect newborns from allergies, especially food allergies, by being passed from mothers to their babies during pregnancy, and it aims to find ways to boost babies' immune systems for better health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWayne State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Detroit, United States)
Project IDNIH-10861768 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of a specific antibody, IgD, in protecting newborns from allergies, particularly food allergies. It focuses on how IgD is transferred from mothers to their babies during pregnancy and how it can enhance the immune system of infants. By studying the mechanisms of this transfer and the effects of maternal vaccination and food exposure, the research aims to identify ways to improve the health of neonates and reduce the incidence of allergies. The approach includes both laboratory studies and potential clinical applications to strengthen neonatal immunity.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include pregnant women and their newborns, particularly those at risk for developing food allergies.

Not a fit: Patients who are adults without children or those who do not have a history of allergies may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating food allergies in infants, improving their overall health and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of maternal antibodies in infant immunity, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in allergy prevention.

Where this research is happening

Detroit, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Airway infections
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.