Genea leads the largest NK cell study in the world
Genea is proud to lead the world’s largest study on NK cells, their role in patients' immune status, and how that impacts IVF outcomes.
Fertility is rarely just one thing. For some patients, the challenge is not egg quality or sperm health, but how the body responds to an embryo once it has been transferred. The immune system, and specifically NK cells, likely play a role in this that is not yet fully understood. Genea is working to change that.
Key details at a glance:
- Genea is leading a new ethics-approved study into NK cells and IVF outcomes
- The study is proposed to be the largest prognostic study of its kind in the world
- It is led by A/Prof Gavin Sacks, who developed the NK cell test more than 20 years ago
- NK cell testing as a clinical service is not yet available; this is an active research trial
What are NK cells?
NK cells are a type of white blood cell that circulate in the bloodstream as part of the body's innate immune system. While a separate population of NK cells lives within the uterus and plays a direct role at the site of implantation, the NK cells circulating in your blood can provide insight into your overall immune status.
Research has shown that women experiencing recurrent miscarriage or repeated implantation failure can have higher numbers or increased activity of circulating NK cells compared to women who conceive easily. An overactive immune response of this kind may reflect a broader imbalance that extends to the uterine environment, potentially making it less receptive to a developing embryo.
Understanding this relationship better could open new pathways to improving outcomes for people experiencing these challenges. That’s where Genea’s research comes in.
Genea's NK cell study
This is an incredibly exciting study which will put Genea at the forefront of reproductive immunology. It is proposed to be the largest forward-looking prognostic test of its kind in the world so far. - A/Prof Gavin Sacks, Genea Group Medical Director and Fertility Specialist
Genea has commenced a new study into NK cells and their potential influence on IVF outcomes. The study has received ethics approval and is now in the early stages of recruiting patients and collecting samples.
Led by Genea Group Medical Director A/Prof Gavin Sacks, the specialist who developed the NK cell test more than 20 years ago based on his PhD research in reproductive immunology, the study is proposed to be the largest prognostic, forward-looking study of its kind undertaken anywhere in the world.
The study uses a simple blood test to assess whether a patient's immune system is overactivated, which may affect their chances of IVF success.
While it is too early to report findings, this study reflects Genea's broader commitment to looking beyond the embryo, to the full picture of what supports a successful pregnancy.
How is NK cell testing performed?
NK cell testing is performed using a simple blood sample from the female partner. The test measures both the number and activity of NK cells in a patient's peripheral blood. NK cell testing may be helpful for patients who have experienced:
- Recurrent miscarriage
- Repeated implantation failure during IVF
- Unexplained infertility
What this means for patients right now
NK cell testing is not yet available as a standard clinical service at Genea. The trial must be completed before findings can inform routine care. If you have experienced recurrent miscarriage, repeated implantation failure, or unexplained infertility, speak with your Genea specialist about what investigations may be appropriate for your situation now, and what may become available as this research progresses.
Research that shapes the future of care
Genea has a long history of embryo research, with multiple active licences held across our research programme. Our scientists and specialists continue to ask the questions that matter for patients' futures, from laboratory innovation to the less visible factors that influence whether a pregnancy succeeds.
The NK cell study is the latest example of that commitment.
Find out more about Genea’s research
- Read about NMN and embryo development, and why Genea is one of the first clinics in the world trialling it
FAQs
NK cells are immune cells found in the blood and the uterine lining. In the right balance, they support implantation, but elevated levels may be associated with implantation failure or recurrent pregnancy loss. Genea's current research focuses on understanding the role NK cells play in IVF outcomes.
Genea has commenced an ethics-approved study into NK cells and their role in IVF outcomes. Led by Dr Gavin Sacks, who developed the NK cell test over 20 years ago, it is proposed to be the largest prognostic study of its kind in the world. The study is currently in the early stages of recruiting patients and collecting samples.
Not yet as a standard clinical service. The study is currently in the research phase, and findings will need to be established before NK cell testing is offered routinely. Your Genea specialist can advise on what immune investigations may be relevant to your situation in the meantime.
Based on existing research, NK cell activity is most relevant for patients who have experienced recurrent miscarriage, repeated implantation failure, or unexplained infertility. Your Genea specialist can advise which immune investigations are appropriate for your individual situation.