Understanding how hepatitis E virus affects pregnancy and fetal health
Placental barrier culture to delineate the mechanism of hepatitis E virus infection at the maternal and fetal interface
This study is looking at how the hepatitis E virus affects pregnant women and their babies by exploring how the virus can cross the placenta, with the goal of finding ways to prevent serious health issues during pregnancy for women infected with this virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10888416 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the hepatitis E virus (HEV) infects the placenta and impacts maternal and fetal health. Using an innovative in vitro model, researchers will create a placental barrier to study how HEV crosses from the maternal blood to the fetus. The study aims to uncover the role of inflammatory cytokines in severe cases of hepatitis during pregnancy, particularly in women infected with genotype 1 HEV. By understanding these mechanisms, the research seeks to provide insights into preventing high mortality rates associated with HEV during pregnancy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women who are at risk of or have been diagnosed with hepatitis E virus infection.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not have hepatitis E virus infection may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for managing hepatitis E infections in pregnant women, potentially reducing maternal and neonatal mortality.
How similar studies have performed: While research on hepatitis E is ongoing, this specific approach using a placental barrier model is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Blacksburg, United States
- Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ — Blacksburg, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Wen — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Li, Wen
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.