Understanding how influenza virus affects pregnancy and fetal health
Official title: Control of influenza virus induced type I interferon signaling during pregnancy
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10974475 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how infections like the flu can affect the health of unborn babies during pregnancy, and it aims to find ways to help protect both moms and their babies from these harmful effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $745,177 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI168107-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974475 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women who have experienced viral infections, particularly influenza, during their pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who have not been exposed to viral infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how infections, particularly from the influenza virus, impact the signaling pathways that protect fetal health during pregnancy. It focuses on the role of type I interferon signaling, which can have adverse effects on fetal development when activated by viral infections. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR/Cas screening, the study aims to identify specific pathways that can mitigate these effects, potentially leading to new strategies for protecting pregnant women and their babies from the harmful impacts of viral infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for pregnant women and their fetuses by identifying protective mechanisms against viral infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in identifying protective pathways in other viral infections, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heaton, Nicholas S — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Heaton, Nicholas S
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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.