How maternal immune health affects behavior in offspring
Maternal Interleukin-4 and allergic asthma in mouse offspring behavioral deficits
This study looks at how a mother's immune system during pregnancy, especially if she has allergic asthma, might affect her child's behavior and development, like the chances of having autism or ADHD, using mice to understand the science behind it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mount Holyoke College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (South Hadley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10788792 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of a mother's immune system during pregnancy on the behavioral development of her children. It focuses on how maternal allergic asthma may lead to neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in offspring. By using a mouse model, the study examines the role of specific immune proteins, known as cytokines, in influencing behavior and social interactions in young mice. The findings aim to uncover the biological mechanisms linking maternal health and child development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are mothers with a history of allergic asthma who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Not a fit: Patients without a family history of immune system dysfunction or those not at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown associations between maternal immune health and neurodevelopmental outcomes, suggesting that this research builds on established findings rather than exploring entirely novel territory.
Where this research is happening
South Hadley, United States
- Mount Holyoke College — South Hadley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwartzer, Jared — Mount Holyoke College
- Study coordinator: Schwartzer, Jared
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.