Investigating vaccines for preventing fetal loss from Rift Valley fever virus
Live-attenuated Rift Valley fever vaccines: comparative mechanisms of trans-placental transmission and vaccine efficacy for developing fetuses
This study is looking at how to create better vaccines for Rift Valley fever, which can harm both animals and people, especially focusing on how these vaccines can be safely passed from mother animals to their unborn babies to help protect them from getting sick.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11037979 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing effective vaccines against the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), which poses a significant threat to both livestock and human health. The study aims to understand how live-attenuated vaccines can be transmitted from mother to fetus and how they can protect developing fetuses from infection. By examining the maternal immune response and the mechanisms of vertical transmission, the research seeks to overcome current challenges in vaccine development that lead to high rates of fetal loss in pregnant animals. The findings could ultimately lead to safer vaccines that not only protect livestock but also reduce the risk of RVFV transmission to humans.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include pregnant livestock and their owners, particularly in regions affected by Rift Valley fever.
Not a fit: Patients who are not involved in livestock farming or who do not reside in areas at risk for Rift Valley fever may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of vaccines that significantly reduce fetal loss in livestock and lower the risk of RVFV transmission to humans.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in developing vaccines for similar zoonotic diseases, indicating that this approach may yield successful outcomes.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hartman, Amy L — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Hartman, Amy L
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 below.