Investigating how brain inflammation affects premature infants after infection during pregnancy
Official title: Microglial Polarization: Brain Injury or Protection in Response to Intrauterine Infection
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-10950139 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $481,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD115831-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10950139 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants who have been exposed to intrauterine infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not premature or have not experienced intrauterine infections may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kelleher, Meredith Anne — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Kelleher, Meredith Anne
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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.