Preventing CMV infection during early pregnancy using a special antibody
Official title: Prevention of CMV infection with a viral IL-10 neutralizing antibody
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11073964 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help protect pregnant women from getting a virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV) during the important first trimester, using a special treatment that targets the virus to keep both moms and their babies safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | November 18, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $232,415 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI188878-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073964 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women, especially those in their first trimester who are at risk of primary CMV infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who have already been infected with CMV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to prevent primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in pregnant women, particularly during the critical first trimester. It involves the use of a highly potent monoclonal antibody that neutralizes the CMV-encoded IL-10 gene, which is believed to play a role in the virus's ability to evade the immune system. By targeting this gene, the researchers hope to provide significant protection against CMV infection, which can lead to severe health issues for the fetus. The study will utilize a rhesus macaque model to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach before considering human applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new preventive treatment for CMV infection in pregnant women, significantly reducing the risk of congenital CMV disease.
How similar studies have gone: While previous CMV vaccine approaches have shown some promise, this specific method targeting the CMV IL-10 gene is novel and has not been extensively tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hartigan-O'connor, Dennis J. — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Hartigan-O'connor, Dennis J.
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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.