Effects of prenatal infections on brain development in primates
Official title: Alterations in primate brain development following prenatal immune challenge
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10930951 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how infections during pregnancy might impact brain development in baby monkeys, helping us learn more about how these issues could relate to conditions like autism and schizophrenia in humans, with the hope of finding better ways to help affected kids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $800,943 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH135390-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930951 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who may have been exposed to prenatal infections and are at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to prenatal infections or do not exhibit neurodevelopmental concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how prenatal exposure to viral or bacterial infections affects brain development in nonhuman primates, which are closely related to humans. By studying these primates, researchers aim to understand the biological mechanisms linking maternal immune responses to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and schizophrenia. The study utilizes advanced techniques to analyze brain tissue and behavioral changes in the offspring, providing insights that could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention of neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in rodent models has shown alterations in brain development due to maternal immune activation, but this study aims to extend those findings to a more relevant primate model.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schumann, Cynthia — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Schumann, Cynthia
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.