Translational Focus, Creative Approach
Exploring Innate Immunity and Infection during Pregnancy
At the Megli Lab, we strive to uncover new mechanisms underlying maternal morbidity and mortality. Our goal is to fill knowledge gaps through rigorous research utilizing model systems, novel technologies and stringent clinical samples and data. We are a translational research group with a focus on understanding the patterns and mechanisms that govern healthy and pathologic pregnancy. Our Lab in Pittsburgh, PA is a hub of creativity, collaboration incorporating multifactorial approaches.
Current Research Projects
Macrophages at the Maternal-Fetal Interface
We are interested in understanding different macrophage subsets present at the maternal-fetal interface and their functional regulation. There are multiple maternal and fetal subsets with distinct functions.
By using both cell line and co-culture models and comparing them to data from intact tissue we are able to model and understand regulatory programming.
Characterizing the Placental Innate Immune Response to Bacterial Pathogens
Ongoing collaboration with the PPIP working group members, the Hooven lab allows us to characterize the defenses against relevant pathogens that cause invasive infection of the reproductive tract during pregnancy.
Clinical studies focused on characterizing and identifying bacterial pathogens in the setting of preterm birth, chorioamnionitis and stillbirth allow for a contemporary understanding of the pathogens that cause maternal morbidity.
Clinical Determinants of Infectious Maternal Morbidity
We strive to develop stringent clinical databases from infections during pregnancy and utilize these to identify determinants of maternal, fetal and neonatal morbidity
Current databases
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invasive infections associated with IVDU
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endocarditis in pregnancy
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contemporary cohort of patients who present with PPROM
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treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics during pregnancy
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positive detection of pathogens on placental culture