Investigating how maternal immune responses during pregnancy affect child brain development

Maternal Autoantibody Reactivity, Gestational Inflammation, and Child Neurodevelopment (MARGIN)

NIH-funded research Kaiser Foundation Research Institute · NIH-11128583

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionKaiser Foundation Research Institute NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Oakland, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11128583 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women, particularly those with a history of autoimmune conditions or concerns about neurodevelopmental disorders in their children.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those whose children are already diagnosed with severe neurodevelopmental disorders may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Oakland, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.