Reproductive Immunology

BIOGRAPHY

ACADEMIC POSITION:
Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine

EDUCATION:
Dr Vikki Abrahams received her BSc (Hons) in Immunology 1996, and was awarded a PhD in Immunology in 2000 both from University College London in Immunology. She continued her studies as a postdoctoral associate at Dartmouth Medical School, NH, and then at Yale University in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive sciences in the field of Reproductive Immunology. In 2004 she joined the faculty in the Department. Since 2006 she has also been an Honorary Lecturer in the Maternal and Fetal Health Research Center at The University of Manchester, UK.

MEMBERSHIPS AND EDITORIAL POSITIONS:
British Society for Immunology
American Association of Immunologists
Society for Women's Health Research
American Society of Reproductive Immunology
Associate Editor for Reviews of the American Journal of Reproductive Immunology

RESEARCH INTERESTS:
Dr Abrahams’ lab studies the impact the immune system and immunological processes have on pregnancy outcome.

One area of research that the Abrahams lab is active in is infection and pregnancy. Since intrauterine infections are thought to cause certain pregnancy complications, such as preterm labor, we are interested in how the placenta actively participates in the control of pathogens that may compromise fetal wellbeing. The lab studies the function of Toll-like receptors (TLR) and Nod-like receptors (NLR) in the trophoblast. These are pattern recognition receptors which allow the innate immune system, and cells with innate immunological properties, like the trophoblast to recognize various microorganisms and trigger effector cell functions. We are also interested in infection of the placenta by Chlamydia and how this may impact pregnancy outcome.

Another area of interest to the Abrahams lab is the impact antiphospholipid antibodies have on a woman's chance of reproductive success. Women with antiphospholipid syndrome are at risk for recurrent pregnancy loss, preterm labor and preeclampsia. While antiphospholipid antibodies are known to directly target the placenta and impact trophoblast function, the precise mechanisms involved are poorly understood. We are currently characterizing the mechanisms by which antiphospholipid antibodies impact trophoblast function and survival.