Understanding how pregnancy affects immune responses in organ transplantation

Mechanistic studies on pregnancy-induced humoral sensitization in organ transplantation

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · NIH-11101327

This study looks at how being pregnant might change the way a woman's immune system reacts to organ transplants, helping us understand how to make transplants work better for women who have been pregnant.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11101327 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how pregnancy can influence the immune system's response to organ transplants. It focuses on the dual role of pregnancy in promoting tolerance to certain tissues while also causing sensitization to fetal antigens, which can complicate transplant acceptance. Using mouse models, the study aims to uncover the cellular mechanisms involved in these processes, particularly how specific immune cells are affected during and after pregnancy. The findings could lead to improved strategies for managing organ transplants in women who have been pregnant.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women who have undergone pregnancy and are considering or have received organ transplants.

Not a fit: Patients who have never been pregnant or those who are not candidates for organ transplantation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the success rates of organ transplants in women who have been pregnant by improving our understanding of immune tolerance.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding immune tolerance mechanisms, but this specific approach focusing on pregnancy-induced sensitization is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

CHICAGO, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.