Investigating how maternal infections affect brain development in offspring
Official title: Brain and behavioral alterations in a nonhuman primate model of maternal immune activation: mPFC-amygdala circuitry, neuroinflammation, and socioemotional development
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10865617 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how infections during pregnancy might affect the brain and behavior of baby monkeys, helping us understand how these changes could relate to conditions like autism in kids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $221,805 |
| NIH project number | 1K01AI182449-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10865617 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be children aged 4 to 20 years who have been diagnosed with autism or related neurodevelopmental disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by neurodevelopmental disorders or who do not have a history of maternal infections during pregnancy may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of maternal immune activation during pregnancy on the brain and behavior of offspring, particularly focusing on nonhuman primates as a model. By examining the neurobiological changes associated with maternal infections, the study aims to understand how these changes may lead to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. The research utilizes advanced biobehavioral data to analyze the effects of immune responses on brain circuitry and socioemotional development in young primates. This approach seeks to bridge the gap between animal models and human neurodevelopment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and potential interventions for neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in rodent models has shown promising results in understanding the effects of maternal immune activation, but this study aims to expand these findings to a more relevant nonhuman primate model.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hanson, Kari L — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Hanson, Kari L
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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.