How viruses interact with the body during pregnancy and after childbirth
Official title: Dynamic changes in virome-host interactions during pregnancy and postpartum
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10986490 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how viruses and the immune system work together during pregnancy and after childbirth to see how they affect the health of both moms and their babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,144,777 |
| NIH project number | 1U01AT012970-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10986490 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are pregnant individuals or those who have recently given birth.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or postpartum may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between viruses and the immune system during pregnancy and the postpartum period. By collecting samples over time, the study aims to understand how changes in the immune response affect these interactions. The goal is to uncover the role of the virome, which includes all viruses that can infect human cells, in maternal and fetal health. This research could provide insights into how viral infections impact pregnancy outcomes and maternal health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of viral infections during pregnancy, potentially enhancing maternal and fetal health.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of the microbiome in health has been studied, the specific focus on the virome during pregnancy is relatively novel and has not been extensively explored in previous research.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wylie, Kristine M. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Wylie, Kristine M.
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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.