Understanding the immune environment in endometriosis

Endometrial immune microenvironment dysfunction in endometriosis pathobiology

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-10950247

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 typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-10950247 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women of reproductive age who experience symptoms suggestive of endometriosis.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have endometriosis or are beyond reproductive age may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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, 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.
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.