Understanding how cytomegalovirus affects brain development in children
Official title: Cytomegalovirus manipulation of functional cortical tissue development
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-11103092 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) can affect brain development in children when it passes from mother to baby during pregnancy, and it aims to find new ways to protect against the virus's harmful effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | January 24, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $682,879 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI190029-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11103092 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals or caregivers of children under 11 years old who may be affected by congenital cytomegalovirus infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or whose children are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) on the development of brain tissues in children, particularly focusing on how the virus can disrupt normal neural development when it crosses the placental barrier. The study utilizes advanced techniques involving human induced pluripotent stem cells to model the effects of HCMV on neural progenitor cells and 3D cortical organoids. By examining the changes in gene expression and cellular function caused by the virus, the research aims to uncover potential new antiviral strategies that could mitigate the harmful effects of HCMV during pregnancy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for preventing neurodevelopmental issues in infants affected by cytomegalovirus.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding viral impacts on neural development can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ebert, Allison D — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Ebert, Allison D
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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.