Understanding the immune environment in endometriosis
Official title: Endometrial immune microenvironment dysfunction in endometriosis pathobiology
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10950247 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the uterus might play a role in endometriosis, with the goal of finding new, easy ways to detect the condition earlier by checking menstrual blood for specific markers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $131,085 |
| NIH project number | 1K99HD115829-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10950247 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women of reproductive age who experience symptoms suggestive of endometriosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have endometriosis or are beyond reproductive age may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the immune microenvironment in the uterus may contribute to endometriosis, a condition affecting many women. It aims to identify specific immune cells, particularly uterine natural killer (uNK) cells, and their role in the disease's development. By analyzing menstrual blood for biomarkers, the study seeks to develop non-invasive diagnostic tools that could lead to earlier detection of endometriosis. The research employs advanced techniques such as single-cell profiling and machine learning to analyze immune responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of endometriosis, improving quality of life for affected women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune responses in endometriosis, but this approach focusing on uNK cells and menstrual blood biomarkers is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feyaerts, Dorien — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Feyaerts, Dorien
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Molecular clues to endometriosis-related infertility
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Hormonal Influences on Inflammation in Endometriosis
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How genes influence endometriosis in women of different racial and ethnic backgrounds
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CXCR4 methylation in endometriosis and its role as an early biomarker and non-hormonal therapy target
This project explores how changes in CXCR4 gene regulation may help diagnose endometriosis earlier and point toward non-hormonal treatments for the condition.
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.