Improving antibody protection for newborns against herpes (HSV)
Understanding and optimizing antibody-based interventions against neonatal HSV infection
This project works to find and improve antibody-based ways to protect newborn babies from herpes simplex virus (HSV).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143183 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research looks at how antibodies passed from a mother can protect a baby from HSV infection. The team is using lab experiments and a mouse model to see which antibodies reach newborn tissues (including the brain) and stop the virus. They measure survival, viral levels, and behavior after infection to understand both immediate and long-term effects. The goal is to guide antibody-based treatments or maternal approaches that could prevent severe newborn disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Babies born to mothers with active or recent genital HSV, and pregnant people at risk of transmitting HSV during delivery, would be the most likely candidates for related future trials.
Not a fit: People without exposure to HSV or infants not at risk of perinatal HSV transmission would not be expected to directly benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to antibody treatments or maternal strategies that lower death rates and long-term brain injury from neonatal HSV.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows maternal antibodies reduce newborn HSV risk and animal studies of antibody approaches have been promising, though human trials of antibody prevention for neonatal HSV remain limited.
Where this research is happening
Hanover, United States
- Dartmouth College — Hanover, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ackerman, Margaret E — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Ackerman, Margaret E
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.