How Zika virus affects pregnancy and fetal development
Official title: Mechanisms of tunneling nanotube formation by ZIKV NS1 in viral host interactions at the maternal-fetal interface
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-10993165 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Zika virus can pass from a mother to her baby during pregnancy and how certain tiny structures in the placenta help with this process, which could lead to better ways to support pregnancies affected by the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $743,310 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI176505-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993165 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals who may be at risk of Zika virus infection or have been diagnosed with Zika during pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who have no exposure to Zika virus are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the Zika virus can be transmitted from mother to fetus and the cellular mechanisms involved in this process. It focuses on the formation of tunneling nanotubes, which are structures that facilitate the spread of the virus within the placenta. By studying how the Zika virus's non-structural protein NS1 induces these nanotubes, researchers aim to uncover critical insights into the maternal-fetal interface and the impact of Zika on pregnancy outcomes. This work could lead to better understanding and potential interventions for affected pregnancies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing Zika virus transmission during pregnancy, ultimately protecting fetal health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding viral transmission mechanisms, but the specific focus on tunneling nanotubes in the context of Zika virus is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jose, Joyce — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Jose, Joyce
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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.