Understanding how natural killer cells affect pregnancy in organ transplant recipients
Official title: Tissue-resident NK cell development and function in pregnancy and transplantation: lessons learned from human uterus transplant recipients
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11109538 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called natural killer (NK) cells affect pregnancy problems in women who have had uterus transplants, with the goal of finding ways to improve their health and pregnancy outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | June 6, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $674,287 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI177369-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11109538 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who have undergone uterus transplants and are experiencing or at risk for pregnancy complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone uterus transplants or those not experiencing pregnancy complications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of natural killer (NK) cells in pregnancy complications among women who have received uterus transplants. By focusing on a unique group of transplant recipients, the study aims to uncover how these immune cells contribute to issues like pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction. The researchers will analyze the development and function of NK cells in the context of pregnancy, particularly how immunosuppressive medications may influence these processes. This work seeks to enhance our understanding of reproductive immunology and improve health outcomes for women in similar situations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better management of pregnancy complications in organ transplant recipients, ultimately improving maternal and fetal health.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on uterus transplant recipients is novel, previous research has shown that understanding immune cell behavior can significantly impact pregnancy outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Porrett, Paige M — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Porrett, Paige M
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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.