How prenatal inflammation affects brain development and function
Official title: Prenatal inflammation disrupts blood-brain barrier development and long-term function
Funded at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles · NIH-11219664 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how inflammation during pregnancy might affect the developing brain of the baby, which could lead to learning and behavior challenges later on, and it aims to find out how the mother's immune system influences this process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hospital of Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $436,789 |
| NIH project number | 7R01NS126981-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11219664 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include pregnant individuals and their offspring, particularly those with a history of maternal immune activation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or whose conditions are unrelated to prenatal inflammation or neurodevelopmental disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how inflammation during pregnancy can disrupt the development of the blood-brain barrier in the fetus, potentially leading to long-term neurodevelopmental issues in the child. The study focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind this disruption, particularly how maternal immune activation affects brain microglia and overall brain health. By using advanced imaging techniques, the researchers aim to identify changes in the blood-brain barrier and the resulting impact on brain function over time. This knowledge could help in developing strategies to mitigate risks associated with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention of neurodevelopmental disorders in children exposed to prenatal inflammation.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown that prenatal factors can significantly influence neurodevelopment, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bonnin, Alexandre — Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Bonnin, Alexandre
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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.