Understanding how the immune system balances maternal and fetal needs during pregnancy
Official title: Innate Allorecognition at the Maternal-Fetal Interface
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11117107 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune system receptors in mothers can help or hinder their current pregnancy and future ones, especially in relation to issues like preeclampsia, and it involves both mice and people to find out more about the genetic factors that might play a role in pregnancy complications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | June 14, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $638,264 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI184546-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117107 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include pregnant individuals, particularly those with a history of gestational disorders such as preeclampsia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently pregnant or those without a history of gestational complications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the immune system's allorecognition receptors on maternal cells influence the balance between supporting the current pregnancy and preserving future reproductive success. By studying both mice and human subjects, the researchers aim to understand how these receptors affect the maternal immune response at the maternal-fetal interface. The study will explore the consequences of disrupting this balance, particularly in relation to gestational disorders like preeclampsia. Patients may be involved in the human component of the research, which seeks to identify genetic factors linked to pregnancy complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of pregnancy-related complications, enhancing maternal and fetal health.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on allorecognition receptors in pregnancy is novel, related research has shown success in understanding immune responses in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lakkis, Fadi G. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Lakkis, Fadi G.
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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.