NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding maternal immune responses affecting newborns with low platelet counts

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

Funded at Versiti Wisconsin, INC. · NIH-11079524 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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 startMay 1, 2024
Project endApril 30, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$420,866
NIH project number5R01HL169144-02
Project IDNIH-11079524 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

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.

Less likely to help

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

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.

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 gone: 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

  • Versiti Wisconsin, INC.
    Milwaukee, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Newman, Debra Kay — Versiti Wisconsin, INC.
  • Study coordinator: Newman, Debra Kay

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.