Investigating how SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy
Official title: Pathogenesis and Outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 In Utero Transmission - Immunologic and Virologic Evaluations
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11131615 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the COVID-19 virus might be passed from pregnant women to their babies before birth, and it aims to understand how this could affect the babies' health by checking their cord blood for antibodies and other important markers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $664,837 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI178166-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11131615 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women who have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 or have been vaccinated against it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who have not been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from pregnant women to their newborns, particularly how the virus may affect infants in utero. The study will analyze cord blood samples from newborns to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and assess the relationship between in utero infection and various health outcomes. By examining a large cohort of newborns, the research aims to identify factors that contribute to maternal-to-child transmission and the potential impact on infant health and development. This comprehensive approach includes evaluating inflammation markers and placental health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostics and interventions for preventing in utero transmission of SARS-CoV-2, ultimately enhancing the health outcomes for newborns.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown varying success in understanding maternal-to-child transmission of viruses, but this specific approach to studying SARS-CoV-2 in utero is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kovacs, Andrea A.z. — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Kovacs, Andrea A.z.
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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.