Investigating how Ebola virus infects placental tissues during pregnancy

Determining Tropism and Mechanisms of Ebola Virus Entry in Placental Tissues

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · NIH-10975049

This study is looking at how the Ebola virus interacts with the placenta during pregnancy to see which cells it targets and how it might pass from mom to baby, with the goal of finding ways to keep both mothers and their babies safe.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF IOWA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10975049 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how the Ebola virus enters and affects placental tissues during pregnancy. It aims to identify the specific cells in the placenta that the virus targets and the mechanisms it uses to infect these cells. By using experimental models, the researchers will explore how the virus may transmit from the mother to the fetus, which is crucial for understanding the risks associated with Ebola during pregnancy. The findings could provide insights into preventing severe outcomes for both mothers and their babies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women who may be at risk of Ebola virus exposure.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those who have already been infected with Ebola virus may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for protecting pregnant women and their fetuses from Ebola virus infection.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been limited research specifically on Ebola virus in placental tissues, studies on other viruses like Zika have shown the importance of understanding viral transmission during pregnancy.

Where this research is happening

IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.