How Zika virus affects brain development in unborn babies
Innate Immunity of Zika Virus Infection In Human Neural Progenitors
This study is looking at how the Zika virus affects brain cells during pregnancy, especially how these cells respond to the virus, to help find ways to better protect babies from problems like microcephaly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10823356 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the Zika virus infects neural progenitor cells in the brain, particularly during pregnancy. It aims to understand the immune response of these cells to the virus, which may lead to developmental issues such as microcephaly. By studying induced neural progenitor cells, the researchers will explore the mechanisms of infection and the innate immune signals that are less effective in these cells compared to mature brain cells. The goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets to improve immune responses against the virus.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant, particularly in areas affected by Zika virus outbreaks.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or who have already been infected with Zika virus and are not experiencing complications may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Zika virus-related developmental abnormalities in infants.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research on other flavivirus infections has shown promise in understanding immune responses, but this specific focus on Zika virus and neural progenitor cells is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stokes, Caleb — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Stokes, Caleb
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.