Investigating how brain inflammation affects premature infants after infection during pregnancy
Microglial Polarization: Brain Injury or Protection in Response to Intrauterine Infection
This study is looking at how infections from a specific bacteria can affect the brains of premature babies, and it aims to find out if antibiotics can help protect their brain health and prevent future developmental problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10950139 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of intrauterine infections, specifically caused by the bacteria Ureaplasma parvum, on the developing brains of premature infants. By studying brain samples from non-human primates, the research aims to understand how these infections lead to inflammation and potential brain injuries. The focus is on how microglial cells, which are crucial for brain health, respond to inflammation and whether antibiotic treatments can mitigate these effects. This could provide insights into preventing long-term neurodevelopmental issues in infants born prematurely.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants who have been exposed to intrauterine infections.
Not a fit: Patients who are not premature or have not experienced intrauterine infections may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for preventing brain injuries in premature infants caused by infections during pregnancy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that antibiotic treatments can improve outcomes in similar contexts, suggesting a promising avenue for this research.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kelleher, Meredith Anne — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Kelleher, Meredith Anne
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.