Ashley Moffett is a reproductive immunologist who works on the human placenta and its interaction with the uterus. She identified uterine Natural Killer (NK) cells that mediate an immune allorecognition system unique to the fetal-maternal interface. Each pregnancy is characterised by a particular combination of KIR receptors on uterine NK cells with HLA ligands on placental trophoblast. These combinations regulate the extent of trophoblast invasion into the uterus in normal and abnormal pregnancies. Her development of trophoblast and endometrial organoids provides an essential factual and experimental platform for the study of disorders of pregnancy.
Maternal mortality is particularly high in sub-Saharan Africa. Ashley collaborates closely with researchers and practitioners at Makerere University and Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda, working to improve maternal health.
Ashley is Emeritus Professor of Reproductive Immunology in the Department of Pathology, and Emeritus Fellow of King’s College, University of Cambridge. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences and in 2025 was made CMG for “Services to Women’s Reproductive Health and Clinical Research and Practice in Africa”.
Professional position
- Emeritus Professor of Reproductive Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge
