Jennifer B Gilner
Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
As a clinician-scientist, I have built my career around the care of women throughout pregnancy, while simultaneously working to advance the scientific understanding of pregnancy complications such as preterm birth and placenta accreta spectrum.
I have advanced training in the medical and surgical care of women with pregnancies affected by medical conditions or pregnancy-related complications, as well as basic science expertise in immunology and tolerance mechanisms of pregnancy.
Current Research Interests
Maternal-Fetal Immune Tolerance:
A normally functioning maternal immune system is critical to a healthy pregnancy, since there are necessary transitions in immune reactivity as the conceptus invades, inhabits, then evacuates the uterus. A healthy maternal-fetal immune interaction in the period of premature viability is expected to be predominated by maternal immune tolerance (protection) of the immunologically ‘foreign’ fetus. Disruption in normal maternal T cell tolerance is a likely functional mechanism causing a subset of preterm births. Our preliminary data supports the existence of critical tolerogenic T cells in the uterus as well as in the maternal circulation, and we have observed disruption of these tolerogenic T cell functions in preterm birth samples. Our central hypothesis is that tolerogenic T cell dysfunction is a mechanism of disease in the subset of preterm births marked by a maternal anti-fetal rejection phenotype.
Advanced surgical methods for care of Placenta Accreta Spectrum and other severe pregnancy complications:
Pathologic invasion of the placental tissue in pregnancy is a highly morbid condition directly related to increasing rates of cesarean delivery. Even with known diagnosis prior to delivery, this condition carries an extremely high risk of catastrophic hemorrhage for the mother.
Duke is a Level IV Maternal Care center with extensive experience in the management of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders. Over the past 12 years we have developed a management algorithm for patients with PAS that incorporates all of the critical elements highlighted by this recently published OB Care Consensus, and fulfills criteria to make us a Center of Excellence for care of this highly morbid condition. Furthermore, our multidisciplinary approach with a consistent - and therefore increasingly experienced – core team of specialty physicians (MFM, Gyn Onc, OB anesthesia, Interventional Radiology), nurses, surgical staff, and transfusion services allows us to lead innovations such as delayed interval hysterectomy. With our sound framework of clinical study and continuous quality improvement we are building a regional PAS referral center founded in current evidence and growing through ongoing research.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
- Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology 2016
Contact Information
- 2608 Erwin Rd., Suite 200, Durham, NC 27710
- DUMC 3967, Durham, NC 27710
-
jennifer.gilner@duke.edu
(919) 668-3945
-
Duke Health Profile
-
Duke Prematurity Prevention Program
-
Marcus Center for Cellular Cures
-
Robertson Research Lab
-
Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine / AAOGF Scholarship
- Background
-
Education, Training, & Certifications
- ABOG Certification, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2019
- Fellow - Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine 2013 - 2016
- ResidencyTraining Program, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine 2009 - 2013
- MD./PhD., University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill 2009
-
Medical Licensure
- 2013-01388. North Carolina. 2018
-
Duke Appointment History
- Clinical Associate in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology 2016
-
Leadership & Clinical Positions at Duke
-
Medical Director, Duke Birthing Center
Program Director, Duke Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS) Care Program
2020 COVID Inpatient Command Center Manager
Core Faculty, Duke Marcus Center for Cellular Cures (MC3)
Core Faculty, Duke Prematurity Prevention Program
2017 Duke course on Leadership Development for Researchers (LEADER)
-
Medical Director, Duke Birthing Center
- Recognition
-
In the News
-
MAY 31, 2019 -
APR 9, 2019 -
JAN 28, 2019 -
OCT 2, 2018 -
DEC 13, 2017 -
OCT 30, 2017 -
FEB 20, 2017 -
NOV 16, 2016 -
SEP 9, 2016
-
-
Awards & Honors
- Duke University School of Medicine Clinical Science Day – Second Prize Poster Presentation. Duke University School of Medicine . 2014
- Charles B. Hammond Annual Research Day – First Prize Resident Oral Presentation. Department of OB/Gyn. 2012
- Alexander MD/PhD Scholarship. UNC MSTP Program. 2008
- Alpha Omega Alpha. UNC Chapter. 2008
- Mary Margaret Bradley Named P.E.O. Scholar Award. P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization). 2007
- Order of the Old Well Honor Society. University of North Carolina. 2005
- Alpha Epsilon Lambda National Academic Honor Society for Graduate/Professional Students. UNC Chapter. 2004
- Boka Hadzija Award for Distinguished University Service. University of North Carolina. 2004
- Frank Porter Graham Graduate and Professional Student Honor Society . University of North Carolina. 2004
- Order of the Golden Fleece Honor Society . University of North Carolina. 2004
- Order of the Grail-Valkyries Honor Society . University of North Carolina. 2004
- Gertrude B. Elion Mentored Medical Student Research Award. Triangle Community Foundation from the Burroughs Wellcome Gertrude B. Elion Fund for Health Research. 2003
- Loyalty Fund Four-Year Scholarship. UNC School of Medicine. 2000
- Expertise
-
Subject Headings
- Research
-
Selected Grants
- PHASE 3, RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLINDED, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED TRIAL TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF A RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS (RSV) PREFUSION F SUBUNIT VACCINE IN INFANTS BORN TO WOMEN VACCINATED awarded by Pfizer, Inc. 2020 - 2025
- A PHASE 2b, RANDOMIZED, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED, OBSERVER-BLINDED TRIAL TO EVALUATE THE SAFETY, TOLERABILITY, AND IMMUNOGENICITY OF A RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS (RSV) VACCINE IN PREGNANT WOMEN 18 THROUGH awarded by Pfizer, Inc. 2019 - 2024
- 2020 CISA 04-COVID Maternal Study awarded by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2020 - 2023
- CeaLogic awarded by Recibio, Inc. 2019 - 2022
- Role of the Vaginal Microbiome in Preterm Birth awarded by Stanford University 2017 - 2020
- The role of regulatory T cells in the maternal-fetal rejection phenotype of preterm birth awarded by American Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Foundation 2016 - 2019
-
Fellowships, Supported Research, & Other Grants
- Biomarkers of Pregnancy Complications in Women with Rheumatic Disease awarded by GlaxoSmithKline Investigator-Sponsored Studies 2020 - 2022
- Project HOPE 1000: A Longitudinal Study of Mothers and Infants to Understand Health Outcomes Related to Pregnancy and Early-Life Exposures awarded by Duke Children's Health and Discovery Initiative 2019
- Fatherly Advice at Conception: A New Memory T-Cell at the Maternal-Fetal Interface awarded by Translating Duke Health Controlling the Immune System 2019 - 2020
- Duke Fund to Retain Clinical Scientists awarded by Doris Duke Foundation 2016 - 2018
- The role of regulatory T cells in the maternal-fetal rejection phenotype of preterm birth awarded by Charles B. Hammond Research Fund 2015 - 2016
- The mechanism of progesterone-mediated prevention of apoptosis in chorion cells awarded by Charles B. Hammond Research Fund 2011 - 2012
- Publications & Artistic Works
-
Selected Publications
-
Academic Articles
-
Park, Christine, Yuval A. Patel, Paul Suhocki, Claire Dorsey, Nikhil Kapila, Linnan Tang, and Jennifer Gilner. “High-risk third trimester pregnancy with decompensated cirrhosis safely delivered following emergent preoperative interventional radiology for mitigation of variceal bleeding.” Clin Imaging 68 (December 2020): 143–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinimag.2020.06.032.Full Text Link to Item
-
Khandelwal, Sanjay, Joann Ravi, Lubica Rauova, Alexandra Johnson, Grace M. Lee, Jennifer B. Gilner, Sreenivasulu Gunti, et al. “Polyreactive IgM initiates complement activation by PF4/heparin complexes through the classical pathway.” Blood 132, no. 23 (December 6, 2018): 2431–40. https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2018-03-834598.Full Text Link to Item
-
Wood, Amber M., Chad A. Grotegut, James Ronald, Waleska Pabon-Ramos, Christina Pedro, Stuart J. Knechtle, Ewa Wysokinska, Geoffrey D. Rubin, Carla W. Brady, and Jennifer B. Gilner. “Identification and Management of Abdominal Wall Varices in Pregnancy.” Obstet Gynecol 132, no. 4 (October 2018): 882–87. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000002805.Full Text Link to Item
-
Gunatilake, Ravindu P., Geeta K. Swamy, Leo R. Brancazio, Michael P. Smrtka, Jennifer L. Thompson, Jennifer B. Gilner, Beverly A. Gray, and Robert Phillips Heine. “Closed-Incision Negative-Pressure Therapy in Obese Patients Undergoing Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Ajp Rep 7, no. 3 (July 2017): e151–57. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0037-1603956.Full Text Open Access Copy Link to Item
-
Louie, Raymond J., Queenie K-G Tan, Jennifer B. Gilner, R Curtis Rogers, Noelle Younge, Stephanie B. Wechsler, Marie T. McDonald, et al. “Novel pathogenic variants in FOXP3 in fetuses with echogenic bowel and skin desquamation identified by ultrasound.” Am J Med Genet A 173, no. 5 (May 2017): 1219–25. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.a.38144.Full Text Link to Item
-
Edwards, James M., Jennifer B. Gilner, Jose Hernandez, Joanne Kurtzberg, and R Phillips Heine. “Chagas Disease Screening in Maternal Donors of Publicly Banked Umbilical Cord Blood, United States.” Emerg Infect Dis 22, no. 8 (August 2016): 1468–70. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2208.151622.Full Text Open Access Copy Link to Item
-
Mauritz, Amy A., Jennifer E. Dominguez, Nicole R. Guinn, Jennifer Gilner, and Ashraf S. Habib. “Blood-Conservation Strategies in a Blood-Refusal Parturient with Placenta Previa and Placenta Percreta.” A a Case Rep 6, no. 5 (March 1, 2016): 111–13. https://doi.org/10.1213/XAA.0000000000000258.Full Text Link to Item
-
Gilner, Jennifer, and Joseph Biggio. “Management of Short Cervix during Pregnancy: A Review.” Am J Perinatol 33, no. 3 (February 2016): 245–52. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0035-1571145.Full Text Link to Item
-
Gilner, Jennifer B., William G. Walton, Kimberly Gush, and Suzanne L. Kirby. “Antibodies to stem cell marker antigens reduce engraftment of hematopoietic stem cells.” Stem Cells 25, no. 2 (February 2007): 279–88. https://doi.org/10.1634/stemcells.2006-0076.Full Text Link to Item
-
Wang, Hong, Jennifer B. Gilner, Victoria L. Bautch, Da-Zhi Wang, Brandon J. Wainwright, Suzanne L. Kirby, and Cam Patterson. “Wnt2 coordinates the commitment of mesoderm to hematopoietic, endothelial, and cardiac lineages in embryoid bodies.” J Biol Chem 282, no. 1 (January 5, 2007): 782–91. https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.M606610200.Full Text Link to Item
-
Bushman, J. E., D. Palmieri, H. C. Whinna, and F. C. Church. “Insight into the mechanism of asparaginase-induced depletion of antithrombin III in treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.” Leuk Res 24, no. 7 (July 2000): 559–65. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0145-2126(00)00017-5.Full Text Link to Item
-
-
Book Sections
-
Gilner, J. B., A. Rajkovic, and J. Kuller. “Molecular Genetic Technology.” In Creasy and Resnik’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine, edited by R. Resnik, C. J. Lockwood, T. R. Moore, M. F. Greene, J. A. Copel, and R. M. Silver, 15–38. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier, 2018.
-
Gilner, J., J. Kuller, and F. A. Valea. “Reproductive genetics.” In Comprehensive Gynecology, edited by R. A. Lobo, D. M. Gershenson, G. M. Lentz, and F. A. Valea, 22–47. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier, 2017.
-
-
Conference Papers
-
Varvoutis, Megan, Chelsea Feldman, Hengtao Zhang, Longquan Zu, Jennifer Gilner, and Chad Grotegut. “High Fat Diet is Associated with Decreased Murine Myometrial Contractility in Pregnancy.” In Reproductive Sciences, 27:212A-213A. SPRINGER HEIDELBERG, 2020.Link to Item
-
Gatta, Luke, Isabel Victoria Rodriguez, Jennifer Bushman Gilner, Chad Grotegut, Lee S. Paula, and Angeles Secord. “Uterine Vascular Embolization Followed by Hysterectomy After Cesarean for MAP Without Extrauterine Involvement [32T].” In Obstetrics & Gynecology, 133:221S-221S. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health), 2019. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.aog.0000559134.90798.dc.Full Text
-
Gilner, Jennifer B., Kyle Strickland, Chad Grotegut, R Phillips Heine, Abigail Hardin, Amy Murtha, Kent Weinhold, and Joanne Kurtzberg. “The Subset of Preterm Births with Rejection-Related Biomarkers Identifies Parturients with Accelerated T Regulatory Cell Functional Transition.” In Reproductive Sciences, 26:303A-303A. SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC, 2019.Link to Item
-
Kannuswamy, Rohini, Abigail Hardin, Rex Bentley, Jennifer Gilner, and Kyle Strickland. “Clinicopathologic Features of Acute and Chronic Inflammatory Lesions in Preterm Placentas.” In Modern Pathology, Vol. 32. NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP, 2019.Link to Item
-
Kannuswamy, Rohini, Abigail Hardin, Rex Bentley, Jennifer Gilner, and Kyle Strickland. “Clinicopathologic Features of Acute and Chronic Inflammatory Lesions in Preterm Placentas.” In Laboratory Investigation, Vol. 99. NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP, 2019.Link to Item
-
Fulp, Abigail, Truong Tracy, Yi-Ju Li, Rex Bentley, Amy Murtha, and Jennifer Gilner. “Differential Expression of T Cell Receptor CXCR3 in Preterm Birth Placentas.” In Reproductive Sciences, 24:239A-239A. SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC, 2017.Link to Item
-
Gilner, Jennifer B., Abigail Fulp, Rex Bentley, Joanne Kurtzberg, and Amy Murtha. “The Role of T Regulatory Cells in the Maternal-Fetal Rejection Phenotype of Preterm Birth.” In Reproductive Sciences, 24:238A-239A. SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC, 2017.Link to Item
-
Dude, Carolynn, Annie Dude, Jennifer Gilner, Geeta Swamy, and Chad Grotegut. “Predicting Preterm Delivery: Using the MFMU BEARs Trial Data to Optimize Corticosteroid Use in Women at Risk for Preterm Delivery.” In Reproductive Sciences, 23:188A-189A. SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC, 2016.Link to Item
-
Sun, Jessica, Jennifer Gilner, Jesse Troy, Barbara Waters-Pick, Kristin Page, Amy Murtha, and Joanne Kurtzberg. “530: Preterm umbilical cord blood is enriched for progenitor cells.” In American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 214:S286–87. Elsevier BV, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2015.10.574.Full Text
-
Edwards, J., J. Gilner, J. Kurtzberg, and R. Heine. “27: Chagas disease screening in umbilical cord blood: an opportunity for prevention.” In American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 213:906–7. Elsevier BV, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2015.09.058.Full Text
-
Gilner, Jennifer, Stephanie Pierce, Thomas Price, and Chad Grotegut. “Mibefradil, a Specific T-Type Calcium Channel Antagonist, Decreases Spontaneous and Oxytocin-Induced Uterine Contractions.” In Reproductive Sciences, 22:333A-333A. SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC, 2015.Link to Item
-
Pierce, Stephanie, Jennifer Gilner, Haywood Brown, Amy P. Murtha, and Chad A. Grotegut. “Cigarette Smoke Increases Placental Adrenomedullin and Uterine Natural Killer Cell Recruitment - A Possible Role in Cigarette Smoke-Mediate Protection From Preeclampsia.” In Reproductive Sciences, 22:289A-289A. SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC, 2015.Link to Item
-
Badreldin, Nevert, Stephanie Pierce, Jennifer Gilner, Leo Brancazio, and Chad Grotegut. “370: Montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, inhibits spontaneous but not oxytocin-induced uterine contractions.” In American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 212:S194–95. Elsevier BV, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2014.10.416.Full Text
-
Grotegut, Chad, Jennifer Gilner, Leo Brancazio, Andra James, and Geeta Swamy. “140: The maximal oxytocin infusion rate in labor is associated with uterine atony.” In American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 212:S86–S86. Elsevier BV, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2014.10.186.Full Text
-
Ahmadzia, Homa, Huizi Lian, Sarah Moustafa, Ann Dude, Jennifer Gilner, Samantha Thomas, Terrence Allen, Chad Grotegut, and Brita Boyd. “138: Prediction of birth weight by early versus late third trimester ultrasound in morbidly obese women.” In American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 210:S83–S83. Elsevier BV, 2014. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2013.10.171.Full Text
-
Gilner, Jennifer B., Amy Murtha, and Liping Feng. “Progesterone Protects Chorion Cells from Apoptosis Induced by Reactive Oxygen Species.” In Reproductive Sciences, 19:296A-296A. SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC, 2012.Link to Item
-
Choi, Seong Jin, Liping Feng, Jennifer Gilner, and Amy Murtha. “523: The effect of progesterone on TNF-α induced MMP 9 activity in human fetal membranes.” In American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 206:S236–37. Elsevier BV, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2011.10.541.Full Text
-
Bushman, J., D. Ciavatta, O. Smithies, and S. Kirby. “Transgene-induced enhancement of hemato-vascular differentiation from murine embryonic stem cells.” In Faseb Journal, 18:A181–A181. FEDERATION AMER SOC EXP BIOL, 2004.Link to Item
-
Gilner, J. B., Lisa Grace, Rex Bentley, J. Kurtzberg, and Amy Murtha. “Diminished Suppressive Function of T Regulatory Cells in the Maternal-Fetal Rejection Phenotype of Preterm Birth,” n.d.
-
-
- Teaching & Mentoring
-
Advising & Mentoring
-
2018-2020 Resident Research Mentor for Abigail Hardin; Project Title: Molecular chemokine axis involved in immune rejection-related preterm birth.
2015-2016 Research Co-Mentor for Abby (Fulp) Hardin, Duke 3rd year medical student; Project Title: Differential expression of T cell receptor CXCR3 in preterm birth placentas
Fellow Mentoring:
Emily Reiff: September - October 2018
“Management of Headache in Pregnancy”
Guidelines used internally for Duke Ob/Gyn
-
2018-2020 Resident Research Mentor for Abigail Hardin; Project Title: Molecular chemokine axis involved in immune rejection-related preterm birth.
-
Teaching Activities
-
Obstetric Simulation
Instructor: Hands-on Forcep Training Module
Resident Rotation Director: Inpatient obstetric medicine (Antepartum Service)
Resident Rotation Director: Inpatient obstetric procedures
Journal club discussant, Obstetrics resident (April 2018)
Morbidity & Mortality Conference, Faculty Discussant (Obstetrics), 2018-present
Lecturer (for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship) - Preterm Birth - Current Data
Lecturer (for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship) - Immunology in Pregnancy
Lecturer (for OB/Gyn Residency) - Third Trimester Bleeding
Lecturer (for OB/Gyn Residency and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship) - Diagnosis and Management of Stillbirth
Lecturer (for OB/Gyn Residency and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship) - Gestational Diabetes
Lecturer (for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship) - Dermatoses of Pregnancy
-
Obstetric Simulation
- Scholarly, Clinical, & Service Activities
-
Presentations & Appearances
- Mechanisms of Maternal Tolerance Disruption in Preterm Birth. American Gynecological & Obstetrical Society. September 14, 2019 2019
- Deciphering the Reproductive Rosetta Stone: Placental immunology predictions of maternal and fetal health. 39th Annual Meeting. American Society for Reproductive Immunology. June 2019 2019
- Understanding disease by immune signature: Loss of tolerance in preterm birth. 2018 Prematurity Forum: Putting translational and clinical research to work: new ideas for the prediction and prevention of preterm birth. Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine . January 31, 2018 2018
-
Outreach & Engaged Scholarship
- Participant. Difficult Conversations. Duke Office of Faculty Development. June 4, 2019 2019
- Participant. Negotiation 101: A Workshop for Researchers. Duke Office of Faculty Development. January 23, 2018 2018
- Walker / Team Captain. Annual Thad & Alice Eure Walk for Hope. Foundation of Hope. 2011 - 2019 2011 - 2019
-
Service to the Profession
- Reviewer. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2020 2020
- Invited Poster Judge. 66th Annual Scientific Meeting. Society for Reproductive Investigation. March 2019 2019
- Reviewer. Pain Medicine. 2019 2019
- Education Committee Chair. American Society for Reproductive Immunology. 2018 2018
- Reviewer. PlosONE. 2017 2017
-
Service to Duke
-
Academic & Administrative Activities
-
Duke Committees:
Faculty Search Committee - Translating Duke Health Children's Health and Discovery Initiative 2017-2018
National Committees:
American Society for Reproductive Immunology, Education Committee Chair 2018-present
Professional Memberships:
-Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FACOG), 2019, (2009-2018 Associate Member)
-Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Associate Fellow, 2013-present
-American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), 2014-present
-Society for Reproductive Investigation (SRI), Regular Member, 2016-present
-North Carolina Obstetrical and Gynecologic Society, 2018-present
-The American Society for Reproductive Immunology, Regular Member, 2018-present
-
Duke Committees:
-
Clinical Activities
-
High-Risk Pregnancy Consultation
Management of Morbidly Adherent Placentation / Placenta Accreta Spectrum
Preterm Birth Prevention - Preconception and Prenatal Care
Fetal Diagnosis
Inpatient Obstetrics, High-Risk
-
High-Risk Pregnancy Consultation
Some information on this profile has been compiled automatically from Duke databases and external sources. (Our About page explains how this works.) If you see a problem with the information, please write to Scholars@Duke and let us know. We will reply promptly.