How maternal infections affect the immune development of the fetus
Official title: Does the maternal environment during viral infection and inflammation direct fetal T cell development and function?
Funded at University of Vermont & St Agric College · NIH-10825113 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how infections and inflammation in pregnant mothers can affect the development of important immune cells in their babies, which may influence their health later on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $394,955 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD111148-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10825113 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals who may be experiencing infections or inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those whose immune systems are not affected by maternal conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how maternal infections and inflammation during pregnancy can influence the immune system development of the fetus. It focuses on a specific type of immune cell, called γδ T cells, which are crucial for fighting infections and preventing diseases later in life. By examining how these cells develop in response to maternal immune activation, the study aims to understand the long-term effects on the offspring's health. The research employs a combination of laboratory techniques and analysis of immune cell function to uncover these relationships.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention of immune-related diseases in children and adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that maternal immune activation can significantly impact fetal development, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Vermont & St Agric College
Burlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bonney, Elizabeth a. — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Bonney, Elizabeth a.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Amyloid and HIV: How aging with HIV shapes Alzheimer’s disease at the cellular level
Researchers are studying how aging people with HIV accumulate Alzheimer’s–related brain changes, to understand who might benefit from future therapies.
-
Placental responses to maternal viral infection shape sex-specific offspring immunity
A mother’s viral infection during pregnancy can change how her baby’s immune system develops, potentially making some babies more prone to infections after birth.
-
Gut bacteria and lung immune cells shape viral lung infections
A study explores how gut microbes affect lung immune cells and severity of respiratory viral infections to identify potential ways to reduce illness.
-
Restoring helper CD4 T cells to help control chronic viral infections
A research project tests a strategy to revive CD4 Th1 helper T cells to better control chronic viral infections like HIV and hepatitis B/C in people who need improved immune control.
-
Screening small medicines to block RSV in baby and adult airway cells
A small study tests whether certain drugs can block age-related signals in respiratory cells to stop RSV infection in infants and young children.
-
Immune drivers of long-term lung damage after viral infection
Researchers are studying why some people’s lungs stay damaged after severe viral infections like COVID-19 and how to stop this scarring from getting worse.
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.