Understanding how placental immune cells respond to cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy
Official title: The role of placental macrophages in cytomegalovirus infection at the maternal-fetal interface
Funded at Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine · NIH-10973206 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the placenta might help protect babies from a virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV) during pregnancy, and it hopes to find ways to use this knowledge to create better vaccines and treatments for expectant mothers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (London, United Kingdom) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $430,604 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI185558-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10973206 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women, particularly those in their first and second trimesters, who may be at risk of cytomegalovirus infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who have already been infected with cytomegalovirus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of placental macrophages, specifically Hofbauer cells, in the context of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection during pregnancy. It aims to understand how these immune cells may protect the fetus from CMV transmission and the complex interactions between maternal antibodies and the virus. By studying these mechanisms, the research seeks to uncover how maternal immunity can be harnessed to prevent congenital infections. The findings could inform the development of effective vaccines and therapies for pregnant women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing congenital infections caused by cytomegalovirus, ultimately protecting newborns from severe health issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the immune response to cytomegalovirus, but this specific focus on placental macrophages is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine
London, United Kingdom Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Holder, Beth — Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine
- Study coordinator: Holder, Beth
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.