Investigating how maternal immune responses during pregnancy affect child brain development
Official title: Maternal Autoantibody Reactivity, Gestational Inflammation, and Child Neurodevelopment (MARGIN)
Funded at Kaiser Foundation Research Institute · NIH-11128583 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain antibodies in pregnant women might affect their children's brain development, especially in relation to conditions like autism and developmental delays, to help understand what factors could increase the risk for these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kaiser Foundation Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oakland, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $685,131 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD112326-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11128583 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women, particularly those with a history of autoimmune conditions or concerns about neurodevelopmental disorders in their children.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those whose children are already diagnosed with severe neurodevelopmental disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between maternal autoantibodies and neurodevelopmental disorders in children. By analyzing blood samples from pregnant women, the study aims to identify how maternal inflammation and immune responses during pregnancy may influence the development of conditions like autism and developmental delays in their children. The research will utilize a large biobank to track these biomarkers over time, providing insights into potential risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier identification and prevention strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the impact of maternal health on child neurodevelopment, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
Oakland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Croen, Lisa a — Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Croen, Lisa a
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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.