Developing models to understand and prevent congenital cytomegalovirus transmission

Model Systems Core (MODS Core)

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10874235

This study is looking at how cytomegalovirus (CMV) can impact children's health, especially in causing birth defects and brain issues, and it's using monkeys to help find ways to create better vaccines and prevention methods.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10874235 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how cytomegalovirus (CMV) affects children's health, particularly its role in causing birth defects and brain damage. The team is creating preclinical models using rhesus monkeys to study CMV transmission and disease, which will help in developing effective vaccines. By analyzing how CMV interacts with host cells and the placenta, researchers aim to uncover critical insights that could lead to better prevention strategies. The work involves advanced technologies to decode gene expression patterns related to CMV spread.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women or families with a history of congenital CMV infection or related birth defects.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or do not have a history of CMV infection may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of a vaccine that prevents congenital CMV transmission, significantly improving child health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using nonhuman primate models to study viral infections, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired brain injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.