How maternal immune activation affects brain development in offspring
Official title: Maternal immune activation remodeling of offspring glycosaminoglycan sulfation patterns during neurodevelopment
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10896900 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a mother's immune system being activated during pregnancy or right after giving birth might affect her child's brain development, which could lead to learning or behavior challenges later on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $507,211 |
| NIH project number | 5DP2AI171150-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10896900 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents who have been diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly those with a history of maternal immune activation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have neurodevelopmental disorders or whose mothers did not experience immune activation during pregnancy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how maternal immune activation during pregnancy or shortly after birth can influence the development of the brain in offspring, potentially leading to neurodevelopmental disorders. The study focuses on understanding the biochemical changes in the brain's extracellular matrix, specifically the sulfation patterns of glycosaminoglycans, which are crucial for brain development. Using advanced techniques like laser capture microdissection and mass spectrometry, researchers will analyze differences in these patterns in the brains of developing mice and non-human primates. The goal is to uncover the mechanisms by which maternal immune responses may alter brain structure and function in offspring.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into preventing or treating neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of analyzing glycosaminoglycan sulfation patterns is novel, related research has shown that maternal immune activation can significantly impact offspring neurodevelopment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alonge, Kimberly Michele — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Alonge, Kimberly Michele
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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.