CONFLUENCE: Mapping the Cellular and mOlecular dynamics of human materNo-FetaL immUnE iNterfaCE

Failures in the materno-fetal immune adaptation lead to a spectrum of pregnancy complications including preeclampsia, preterm labor, and miscarriage, which affect millions of women.

The aim of my research project is to identify the cellular and molecular chronology of immune adaptations taking place over the course of early pregnancy by studying the immune system in human materno-fetal samples.

The immune adaptations during pregnancy are multi-faceted and occur within systemic networks that integrate inputs from  the fetus, placenta, and the mother.

Yet, approaches to map the dynamics of this adaptation by integrating systemic (blood) and local (tissue) immune protein and cell data from both fetus, placenta and mother, have been missing.In this project, we will use high-parametric protein profiling and imaging tools to 1.) map the composition of immune cells and their niches in paired placenta and fetus tissue, 2.) identify the immune cell composition in paired maternal and umbilical cord blood, 3.) profile the levels of soluble immune proteins and placenta-specific proteins predicted to be secreted into maternal blood, over the course of early pregnancy.Our findings will uncover observational and quantitative dynamics of human immune system development, and materno-fetal immune adaptation.

These will, in turn, enable the future development of diagnostic, preventive and treatment methods in personalized reproductive medicine targeting fertility and pregnancy complications.