Reproductive Immunology Unit

Led by Gil Mor, MD, PhD, the Reproductive Immunology Unit conducts studies that characterize the interaction between the immune system and reproductive organs. The focus is on two main areas of research:

1. Immunology of Implantation: Studies are designed to understand immunological factors controlling the normal development of the trophoblast and its interaction with immune cells present at the implantation site. Our studies have identified the expression of Toll Like Receptors in trophoblast cells. These receptors allow the placenta to recognize and respond to any microorganism that may endanger the well being of the fetus.

The unit has developed in vitro systems consisting of first trimester trophoblast primary cultures and organ cultures in addition to several first trimester trophoblast cell lines, decidual, and endothelial cell lines.

The unit has a tissue bank consisting of first and third trimester placentas (approximately 400 samples), blood samples (sera, plasma and mononuclear cells) from normal pregnancies as well as from pregnancy complications such us pre-eclampsia and preterm labor. The sera bank also includes samples from normal and abnormal pregnancies collected during the different trimesters.

2. Tumor Immunology: Studies are designed to understand the interaction between cancer cells and immune cells. A major focus of these studies is to understand the control of apoptosis in cancer cells and develop new therapeutic approaches that may reverse chemoresistance.

We have developed a new test for the early detection of ovarian cancer based on a panel of known serum proteins associated with cancer biology. Each protein marker is analyzed using a routine ELISA assay, and the results evaluated using a score system.

In addition, the Unit has identified a sub-group of ovarian cancer patients, based on the expression of MyD88, which are resistant to Paclitaxel. The cancer cells of these patients express high levels of cytokines and chemokines and educate immune cells to promote tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastasis.

The Unit has an Ovarian Cancer Tissue Bank that contains approximately 800 tissue samples of the primary and metastatic ovarian cancers as well as tissue samples from normal ovaries. In addition, as part of the NCI Ovarian Cancer Early Detection Program, the facility has in storage ascites and serum samples from patients with ovarian cancer and healthy age matched controls.

An important component of the Tissue Bank is its panel of ovarian cancer cells (n=36) isolated from ascites and 10 immortalized normal Ovarian Surface Epithelial cells (OSE).

3. Discovery to Cure: Advancing the Prevention, Early Detection & Treatment of Women's Reproductive Cancers is a translational research program that seeks to achieve accurate detection of ovarian and other reproductive cancers at their earliest stages. Studies in the lab are primarily designed to find advancements in early detection for ovarian cancer