Understanding how uterine natural killer cells develop and function during pregnancy
Official title: Ontogeny and differentiation of uterine natural killer cells
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11010759 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the uterus help support a healthy pregnancy, and it aims to find out how these cells develop from blood cells, which could lead to better treatments for infertility and miscarriage to help more people have successful pregnancies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $43,193 |
| NIH project number | 5F31HD114429-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11010759 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing difficulties with pregnancy, such as infertility or recurrent miscarriages.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not trying to conceive or who have no history of reproductive issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the development of uterine natural killer (uNK) cells, which play a crucial role in establishing and maintaining a healthy pregnancy. The project aims to identify the genetic programs that guide the differentiation of these cells from peripheral blood into decidual natural killer (dNK) cells, using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing and flow cytometry. By understanding these processes, the research seeks to develop clinical tools that could improve treatment strategies for issues related to infertility and miscarriage, ultimately enhancing reproductive health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for infertility and miscarriage, benefiting many individuals trying to conceive.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune cell roles in pregnancy, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Greene, Morgan Elizabeth-Carolyn — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Greene, Morgan Elizabeth-Carolyn
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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.