How inflammation during pregnancy can affect a baby's brain development
Impact of prenatal inflammation on developing human brain
This project looks at whether infections or inflammation in pregnancy change how a baby's brain cells grow and connect using lab-grown mini-brains and human immune brain cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11369798 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers grow human cerebral organoids (lab-made 'mini-brains') together with microglial cells, the brain's immune cells, to mimic early fetal brain development. They expose these models to inflammatory signals similar to those from bacterial or viral infections to see how microglia react. The team will measure effects on cell survival, neuronal connections, and key developmental pathways tied to autism and preterm birth. Findings aim to reveal mechanisms by which maternal inflammation could harm the developing brain and suggest targets for prevention or treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Pregnant people concerned about infections during pregnancy and families affected by or at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders may find this research especially relevant.
Not a fit: People with health issues unrelated to prenatal brain development or adult-onset neurological conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify how maternal infections raise the risk of autism or preterm birth and point to strategies to reduce that risk.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies of maternal immune activation have linked prenatal inflammation to autism-like outcomes, but applying human cerebral organoids with microglia is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Muotri, Alysson R. — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Muotri, Alysson R.
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 below.