Program seeks Council approval for initiative titled “Early Immune System-Development and Ontogeny”. Early immune system development is complex and forms the basis of the adult immune system. Development of immune system begins in utero and immune pathways at the maternal fetal interface are critical for phenotypic and genotypic expression of immune elements in the immediate post-natal phase for the baby and during the life of the individual.
Maternal immune system has been traditionally incorrectly referred to as suppressed, while it is rather unique condition which is tolerogenic to the foreign tissue of the baby and able to simultaneously mount an active response in case of an infection. The pediatric immune system is known to be skewed towards a Th2 environment, highly tolerogenic with a large and active thymus. These complex immune mechanisms in children and adolescents are poorly understood in the offspring of pregnant people living with/without HIV or were exposed to HIV themselves during early life. It is also imperative we understand immune development following exposure to anti-retroviral (ARV) medications and especially to novel long acting ARVs.
During the previous solicitations addressing maternal fetal interface and immune development inchildren, 28 awards were granted of 121 applications received, in both HIV and non-HIV areas of research, in conjunction with NIAID. The awards included projects addressing fetal immune development and how it is influenced by maternal infections, diet and external environment.
The goal of this iteration of the initiative is to focus and enhance our understanding on development of adaptive immune system (T and B cells -T cell complex and antibody development with special focus on secretory antibodies), tissue localized immune cell (viz., lung, neuronal, reproductive immune cells etc.) differentiation during and after gestation and processes in the development and establishment of primary and secondary lymphoid tissues (thymus and Peyer’s patches as an example). Also, of interest and emphasis would be how these immune factors are modulated by childhood vaccination following maternal exposure to infections (not limiting to HIV, TB, Syphilis, CMV, malaria, and SARS-CoV-2) and ARVs.
- 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. The concept also aligns with NICHD aspirational goal of “Use the growing understanding of immune factors in pregnancy and placental development to (a). determine reasons for pregnancy rejection, (b). mechanisms to prolong at-risk pregnancies, and (c). ways to transfer this knowledge to other medical needs, such as organ transplantation”.
- 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 Office of AIDS Research (OAR) 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.
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
BACK TO TOP