Understanding how maternal immune responses can prevent congenital CMV transmission

Identifying and modeling immune correlates of protection against congenital CMV transmission after primary maternal infection

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11040336

This study is looking at how pregnant women’s immune systems can help protect their babies from catching a virus called congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV), and it aims to find ways to create a vaccine to keep future pregnancies safe.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11040336 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the immune responses in pregnant women that may protect against the transmission of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) to their infants. By studying a unique group of women who have experienced acute CMV infection, the researchers aim to identify specific immune factors that correlate with reduced risk of transmitting the virus during pregnancy. The study utilizes data from a previous clinical trial, focusing on both humoral (antibody-related) and cellular immune responses. This approach could lead to insights that inform the development of a vaccine to prevent cCMV infection in future pregnancies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women who have experienced acute CMV infection.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or who have not been acutely infected with CMV may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of a vaccine that significantly reduces the incidence of congenital CMV transmission, thereby preventing birth defects and brain damage in infants.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune responses related to CMV, but this specific approach to modeling protective responses is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired brain injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.