How maternal infections before birth change primate brain development
Alterations in primate brain development following prenatal immune challenge
Researchers are using primate models to understand how infections during pregnancy can alter brain circuits linked to autism and related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11140335 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research uses nonhuman primates whose mothers were exposed to immune-activating agents during pregnancy to study changes in offspring brain development related to autism and schizophrenia. Scientists examine existing primate brain tissue and behavioral records, focusing on amygdala–prefrontal circuitry and cellular details with advanced imaging and molecular methods. The team uses a viral-mimic maternal immune activation model designed to mirror human pregnancy physiology and timing. Results are meant to improve how findings from animals translate to humans and point toward biological targets for future prevention or treatment strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients and focuses on primate tissue and models, but its findings are most relevant to families and children affected by autism spectrum disorder or other neurodevelopmental conditions linked to maternal infection.
Not a fit: People whose conditions are unrelated to prenatal immune exposure or who are seeking immediate clinical treatment options are unlikely to benefit directly from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal when and how maternal immune responses change offspring brain circuits and point to targets or timing for interventions to prevent or reduce neurodevelopmental problems.
How similar studies have performed: Rodent maternal immune activation studies have shown brain and behavioral changes relevant to neurodevelopmental disorders, but primate models are newer and aim to improve relevance to humans.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schumann, Cynthia — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Schumann, Cynthia
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.