Understanding how maternal immune activation affects brain development and mental health
Official title: Targeted inhibition of stress associated pathways to promote resilience against maternal immune activation
Funded at Mcphs University · NIH-10358119 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a mother's illness during pregnancy, like having the flu, might affect her child's brain development and lead to challenges in social skills and thinking later on, and it aims to find ways to help protect kids from these risks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mcphs University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2018 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $383,006 |
| NIH project number | 2R15MH114035-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10358119 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been exposed to maternal immune activation during pregnancy and may be at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to maternal immune activation or do not have neurodevelopmental disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how maternal immune activation during pregnancy, such as when a mother experiences an illness like the flu, can increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. By using animal models, the study aims to explore the changes in brain development caused by this immune response and how these changes may lead to social and cognitive impairments later in life. The researchers are particularly focused on the role of stress-related genes and environmental factors that could help protect against these negative outcomes. The ultimate goal is to identify potential interventions that could promote resilience in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or mitigating neurodevelopmental disorders linked to maternal immune activation.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of maternal immune activation on brain development, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Mcphs University
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kentner, Amanda — Mcphs University
- Study coordinator: Kentner, Amanda
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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.