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PhD defence: Sofie Vestergaard Fonager

Autoimmunity and Pregnancy – How the Maternal Immune System Affects the Fetus

Info about event

Time

Friday 4 April 2025,  at 13:00 - 15:00

Location

The Eduard Biermann Auditorium (1252-204), The Lakeside Lecture Theatres

On Friday 4 April at 13:00, Sofie Vestergaard Fonager defends her PhD dissertation entitled "The Influence of Maternal Autoimmunity on Foetal Immune Programming and Neuroimmune Outcomes".

This PhD defense investigates the complex interplay between maternal autoimmunity and fetal immunity, as well as the potential consequences for neurological development. The study utilizes mouse models of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and employs both embryo-transfer techniques and a pristane-induced lupus model to distinguish genetic factors from influences of the maternal immune system.

These findings highlight that the maternal immune system plays a dual role in both transferring passive immunity and potentially imprinting the child's immune system. The study contributes valuable knowledge on how maternofetal immune interactions may impact the development of autoimmune diseases and neurological disorders in children.

The summary is written by the PhD student.

The defence is public and takes place in the Eduard Biermann Auditorium (1252-204), The Lakeside Lecture Theatres. Please see the press release for more information. 

Contact

PhD student Sofie Vestergaard Fonager
Mail: sofief@biomed.au.dk
Phone: (+45) 20343331

Read full press release