Preventing mother-to-baby cytomegalovirus infection
Immunologic strategies to prevent congenital cytomegalovirus transmission and disease in rhesus monkeys
Researchers are testing immune-based approaches to stop CMV from passing from pregnant people to their babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11169022 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research uses a rhesus monkey model that closely mimics how CMV spreads and causes disease in human pregnancies. Scientists are trying immune strategies such as vaccines, antibody therapies, and studying how T cells move to the placenta to block transmission. The team examines how antibodies that recruit other immune functions (Fc-mediated responses) and viral immune-evasion tactics affect whether the virus reaches the fetus. Findings in monkeys are meant to point to better vaccine or immunotherapy targets for preventing congenital CMV in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal future trial candidates would include pregnant people at risk for CMV infection or people planning pregnancy who might receive a preventative vaccine or antibody treatment.
Not a fit: Infants already infected before preventive measures are given or people with established CMV-related neurological injury may not receive direct benefit from prevention-focused approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to vaccines or immune therapies that prevent babies from being infected with CMV and reduce CMV-related brain injury.
How similar studies have performed: Previous human and animal vaccine or antibody efforts have shown partial protection at best, so preventing congenital CMV is still largely unproven and the detailed nonhuman primate approach here is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Permar, Sallie R. — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Permar, Sallie R.
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.