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Infants born prematurely are at increased risk of early postnatal and later developmental problems. Approximately 25% of premature babies less than 25 weeks have severe disabilities. Very premature infants who do not have severe disabilities are nevertheless at increased risk for cognitive, perceptual and behavioral problems. With advances in prenatal and neonatal care, there has been an improvement in survival, but improvements in function and outcome have lagged. The optimal way to reduce complications of prematurity is to reduce the incidence of prematurity itself.

My research track is focused in the area of reproductive immunology. The studies done at NYU Winthrop Hospital will contribute significantly to our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of preterm labor and the role of exposure to environmental toxicants on this pathologic process. This work will help bridge the gap between clinical and basic research and provides a novel model on the pathogenesis of preterm labor. As our understanding of the immune mechanisms behind preterm labor grows, these findings may ultimately suggest new strategies to predict, treat or prevent preterm labor. Clinical samples collected in our studies include term, preterm and second-trimester placentas, breast milk as well as cord and eonatal blood mononuclear cells. Current research projects at the Women and Children Research Center include:

• The role of placental exosomes and microRNAs in mediating placental immune tolerance to infection
• Novel biomarkers to predict preterm labor
• Role of breast milk exosomes in inducing anti-inflammatory neonatal milieu
• Role of progesterone in regulating the production of placenta cytokines
• Develop methodology that provides non-invasive technique to predict and monitor preterm labor.
• Elucidating environmental toxins-linked mechanisms of preterm labor