How inherited maternal cells might shape babies’ BCG immune responses
Official title: The effect of inherited maternal cells on BCG-specific T cell responses in HIV exposed and unexposed infants
Funded at Seattle Children's Hospital · NIH-11413444 · Data updated 2026-11-12
In babies born to mothers with HIV exposure, this study looks at whether maternal cells passed before birth affect how well the BCG vaccine sparks immune responses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Seattle Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $244,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD118582-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11413444 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Infants born to HIV-infected mothers, particularly in high TB prevalence settings, who are receiving BCG vaccination.
✕Less likely to help
Infants not exposed to HIV in utero or those not receiving BCG vaccination may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project explores why some infants exposed to HIV in the womb respond differently to the BCG vaccine. It will examine maternal microchimerism—maternal cells found in newborns—and its connection to CD4+ T cell responses after BCG vaccination. Researchers will use an infant cohort in a high TB and HIV setting to measure immune markers and correlate them with birth MMc levels. The goal is to uncover factors that could inform better vaccination strategies for vulnerable infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to more effective TB vaccination approaches for HIV-exposed infants.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest MMc influences BCG-specific T cell responses, but this area remains exploratory and needs confirmation in larger cohorts.
Where this research is happening
-
Seattle Children's Hospital
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harrington, Whitney Elizabeth — Seattle Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Harrington, Whitney Elizabeth
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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.