Understanding maternal immune responses affecting newborns with low platelet counts

Interrogating clinically relevant attributes of maternal alloimmunity in fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia

NIH-funded research Versiti Wisconsin, INC. · NIH-11079524

This study is looking at how a mother's immune system can affect her baby's platelets, which might lead to a serious bleeding condition in newborns, and it aims to find out which pregnancies are at higher risk so that better tests and prevention methods can be developed to help keep babies safe.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVersiti Wisconsin, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Milwaukee, United States)
Project IDNIH-11079524 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how maternal immune responses to specific platelet proteins can lead to a serious condition in newborns called fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT). It aims to identify which pregnancies are at high risk for severe bleeding due to this condition by studying the interactions between maternal antibodies and fetal platelets. The research will utilize animal models to explore the underlying mechanisms and develop potential diagnostic tests and preventive strategies. By understanding these immune responses better, the research seeks to improve outcomes for affected infants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women who have previously had a child affected by fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia or those identified as at-risk for this condition.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those whose pregnancies are not at risk for fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better identification and management of at-risk pregnancies, potentially preventing severe bleeding and associated complications in newborns.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this research is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding immune responses in pregnancy and their effects on newborn health.

Where this research is happening

Milwaukee, 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.
Conditions Acquired brain injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.