Role of diet-derived metabolites in inducing maternal immune activation during pregnancy (A04)

• Subject Area: Reproductive Medicine, Urology ; Immunology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 534829736

This project aims to study the impact of the Western diet on maternal immune activation (MIA) and, consequently, on foetal immune tolerance. We have established a mouse model to address this interaction. Based on our preliminary data, we hypothesize that the Western diet can dysregulate immune tolerance at the foeto-maternal interface with potential consequences for foetal development. By testing this hypothesis in mice and humans, we aim to identify mechanisms behind the Western diet's adverse effects on foetal immune tolerance, ultimately providing therapeutic targets and evidence-based guidelines for pregnancy well-being.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1713: Maternal Immune Activation: Causes and Consequences
• Applicant Institution: Universität Hamburg
• Project Head: Professor Nicola Gagliani, Ph.D.