202005 Development of the Fetal Immune System

​Program seeks Council approval for initiative titled “Development of the Fetal Immune System”. Pregnancy at a molecular and cellular level is prolonged and intense leading to sustained interface between mother and offspring known as the Materno-fetal milieu. This milieu modulates, and programs the fetal immune system during pregnancy.

Maternal inflammation resulting in various immune related interactions evidenced in the child have been reported, viz., cytokines in newborns against malaria (1) or lower immune responses in HIV exposed uninfected newborns to measles or BCG vaccination (2) and more recently, newborns presenting with antibodies against COVID-19 (3).

The goal of this initiative is to better understand the development of early immune system in relation to the Materno-fetal interface that can facilitate identification of molecular pathways forming the basis of new or improved interventions and promote health of both mother and child.

This proposed concept aligns with the NICHD Strategic Plan Theme 1- Understanding molecular, cellular and structural basis of development and Theme 3- Setting the foundation for healthy pregnancies and lifelong wellness.

This proposed concept aligns with the MPIDB research priority on Immune Crosstalk in Infant Immune System Development.

This initiative addresses the overarching HIV/AIDS priorities of a). Reduce the Incidence of HIV, including supporting the development of safe and effective vaccines, microbicides and pre-exposure prophylaxis b). Develop Next-Generation Therapies for HIV with improved safety and ease of use c). Conduct Research Toward an HIV Cure.

Program Contact

Sai Majji
Maternal and Pediatric Infectious Disease Branch (MPIDB)

Back to Concept Review by Council

top of pageBACK TO TOP