How viruses interact with the body during pregnancy and after childbirth

Dynamic changes in virome-host interactions during pregnancy and postpartum

NIH-funded research Washington University · NIH-10986490

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 typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10986490 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are pregnant individuals or those who have recently given birth.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or postpartum may not receive any benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Saint Louis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.