Mechanisms of generation and maintenance of immune tolerance in pregnancy

• Applicant: Privatdozent Dr. Florian Herse
• Subject Area: Reproductive Medicine, Urology ; Gynaecology and Obstetrics
• Term: from 2016 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 320311956

A better comprehension of the complex mechanisms underlying the successful implantation of the blastocyst and its subsequent growth in the maternal womb is urgently needed. Understanding pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in the development of pregnancy disorders is essential to develop new strategies for their prevention and treatment. Implantation is an early event that defines pregnancy success. Implantation failure and delayed implantation both have fatal consequences for human reproduction and the study of the mechanisms supporting this important event is of fundamental importance. Scientists that join this proposal are experts in the field of immunology of pregnancy as documented by their publication tracks. The interdisciplinary network of clinicians and basic researches and their specialization in particular cells or processes taking place during implantation at the feto-maternal interface will enhance the development and promotion of innovative strategies that will help overcoming current problems faced in the field of reproductive medicine. The significance of the present scientific network is to establish and support strong interactions between the groups with the aim to strengthen cooperation resulting in collaborative publications and to support the consolidation of junior and senior scientists. The long-term aim is to fund a cooperation network, e.g. a Forschergruppe, that will allow to study this important topic in a long-term multi-center effort to significantly improve the prevention, early detection, diagnosis, therapy and post-intervention treatment of pregnancy disorders.

• DFG Programme: Scientific Networks
• International Connection: Austria, Switzerland
• Participating Persons: Franziska Fettke; Professor Martin Gauster, Ph.D.; Stavros Giaglis; Privatdozent Dr. Robert Kammerer; Dr. Christiane Kling; Dr. Bianca Schröder-Heurich; Privatdozentin Dr. Anne Schumacher; Professorin Dr. Maria Emilia Solano; Privatdozentin Dr. Andrea Steinborn-Kröhl; Professorin Dr. Ana Claudia Zenclussen