Understanding how mothers pass hepatitis B virus to their children
Molecular analysis of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus
This study is looking at how mothers with hepatitis B can pass the virus to their babies and how this affects the babies' immune systems, with the goal of finding ways to prevent this transmission and help keep children healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11100437 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted from infected mothers to their children, focusing on how maternal HBV affects the immune response in offspring. Using a specialized mouse model, researchers will analyze the impact of maternal HBV on the development of anti-HBV immunity in children. The study aims to uncover the role of maternal antigens and immune cells in shaping the immune response of newborns, which could lead to chronic HBV infections. By understanding these processes, the research seeks to identify potential interventions to prevent transmission and improve health outcomes for affected children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children under the age of 11 who are born to mothers infected with hepatitis B virus.
Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk of hepatitis B transmission, such as those without infected mothers or those already vaccinated against HBV, may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B, ultimately reducing chronic infections in children.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding viral transmission mechanisms in other contexts, but this specific approach to studying maternal transmission of HBV is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ou, J.-H. James — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Ou, J.-H. James
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.