Understanding how vaginal polyamines affect immunity and cervical changes in preterm birth
Official title: Polyamine modification of host immune responses and oxidative balance in the cervicovaginal space: potential mechanisms governing cervical remodeling in preterm birth
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11144289 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how natural substances in the vagina, called polyamines, might protect against early labor in pregnant individuals with certain vaginal bacteria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 5, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $652,885 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD114611-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11144289 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is relevant for pregnant individuals, especially those with a history of preterm birth or concerns about their vaginal microbiome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not currently pregnant or those without risk factors for preterm birth would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
We know that certain vaginal bacteria and immune responses are linked to preterm birth, but we don't fully understand why. This project looks at how the cervix changes too early, which is a key step towards preterm birth. Our team is focusing on natural substances in the vagina called polyamines, like spermine and spermidine, which seem to play a role in immunity and protecting cells. We believe these polyamines help keep the immune system balanced and reduce stress in the vagina, which could strengthen the cervical barrier and prevent early labor.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to identify pregnant individuals at risk for preterm birth and develop new treatments to prevent it.
How similar studies have gone: Our group has already found a link between vaginal polyamines and preterm birth risk, suggesting this approach builds on promising initial findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gerson, Kristin Ducrest — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Gerson, Kristin Ducrest
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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.