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-11117496 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a mother's immune system during pregnancy and early life can affect her child's brain development, especially in relation to conditions like autism or ADHD, by examining certain brain molecules that might play a role in this process.
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) | $69,428 |
| NIH project number | 3DP2AI171150-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117496 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents who have been exposed to maternal immune activation and are at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by maternal immune activation or do not have neurodevelopmental disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of maternal immune activation during pregnancy and early life on the brain development of offspring, particularly focusing on neurodevelopmental disorders. It aims to understand how changes in specific brain molecules, known as glycosaminoglycans, can influence brain structure and function. Using advanced techniques like laser capture microdissection and mass spectrometry, the study will analyze differences in these molecules in the brains of developing animals. The findings could provide insights into the biological mechanisms linking maternal health to child neurodevelopment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that maternal health significantly impacts child development, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
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.