How the immune system affects brain development related to neurodevelopmental disorders
Official title: Regulation of BNST development by the adaptive immune system: implications for neurodevelopmental disorders
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11064053 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system affects the growth of a part of the brain that helps with fear, social behavior, and feeling rewarded, to better understand how this might relate to conditions like autism and ADHD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $165,219 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH134017-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064053 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism or attention deficit disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodevelopmental disorders not related to immune system dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the adaptive immune system influences the development of a specific brain region called the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), which is important for behaviors related to fear, social interactions, and reward processing. By examining the role of microglia, a type of immune cell in the brain, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and attention deficit disorder. The researchers will use various methodologies to analyze the interactions between the immune system and brain development, potentially leading to new insights into the causes of these disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating neurodevelopmental disorders by targeting immune system interactions.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of linking immune system function to BNST development is novel, similar studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of the immune system in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clark, Sarah Michelle — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Clark, Sarah Michelle
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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.