Understanding brain and behavior changes from maternal infections during pregnancy
Brain and behavioral alterations in a nonhuman primate model of maternal immune activation: mPFC-amygdala circuitry, neuroinflammation, and socioemotional development
This project explores how infections during pregnancy might affect a baby's brain development and behavior, potentially leading to conditions like autism or schizophrenia.
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 ID | NIH-11159478 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that infections during pregnancy can increase the risk for neurodevelopmental disorders in children, such as autism and schizophrenia. This project aims to understand the specific brain changes that occur when a mother's immune system is activated during pregnancy. While rodent studies have provided some clues, this work uses a nonhuman primate model, which is more similar to humans, to get a clearer picture. By studying these changes, we hope to learn more about how these conditions develop and find ways to help prevent them.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve human patients, but its findings could eventually benefit children at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders due to maternal infections during pregnancy.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by neurodevelopmental disorders linked to maternal immune activation would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of how maternal infections impact brain development, potentially guiding future strategies to prevent or treat neurodevelopmental disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Rodent studies have shown similar brain and behavioral changes in offspring exposed to maternal immune activation, providing a basis for this expanded research in nonhuman primates.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- 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
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.