Elizabeth Ann L. Enninga

Elizabeth Ann L. Enninga, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in both the Department of Immunology and the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. She holds an academic appointment within the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and is actively engaged in research on maternal-fetal immunology, placental health, and biomarkers in pregnancy.

• Assistant Professor of Immunology, Mayo Clinic
• Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic
• Associate Consultant I-Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Associate Consultant I-Research, Department of Immunology

Dr. Enninga's research focuses on the regulation of the maternal immune system during pregnancy, particularly in response to the semi-allogeneic fetus. Her work investigates local immune regulation at the placental interface, especially in conditions like chronic villitis, and systemic immune changes involving biomarkers such as cell-free fetal DNA. She also explores how fetal sex influences maternal immune responses, aiming to improve prenatal care through sex-specific strategies.

Her recent publications highlight a strong trend in reproductive immunology, placental pathology, and fetal surgery. Topics include SARS-CoV-2 effects on placental health, ultrasound imaging of placental vasculature in growth restriction, and immune responses following fetal interventions. Her work often bridges clinical obstetrics with molecular immunology, emphasizing translational applications.

Scientific awards recognizing her contributions include:

• Young Investigator Basic Science Award, Abbott Nutrition (2019)
• K-12 BIRCWH Scholar, Office of Research on Women's Health (2017)

Dr. Enninga serves as Principal Investigator on NIH-funded research grants from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, including projects on T cell-placenta interactions in chronic villitis and immune responses induced by fetal surgery. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across immunology, obstetrics, and surgery. Her research is conducted through Mayo Clinic’s robust network of research centers, including the Women's Health Research Center and Immunology Research programs.

She is affiliated with research laboratories focused on reproductive immunology and placental biology, contributing to Mayo Clinic’s core facilities in pathology, imaging, and translational science.