Investigating how Ebola virus infects placental tissues during pregnancy
Official title: Determining Tropism and Mechanisms of Ebola Virus Entry in Placental Tissues
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-10975049 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | November 15, 2022 |
| Project end | July 14, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $46,106 |
| NIH project number | 5F30AI174686-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10975049 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women who may be at risk of Ebola virus exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who have already been infected with Ebola virus may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Ert, Hanora Anne Marie — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Van Ert, Hanora Anne Marie
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.