Understanding why depression is different for women and how it links to heart health
Official title: Sex Differences in Major Depression, Part II: Impact of Prenatal Immune, Autonomic and Neurovascular Function
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11301316 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research looks at why sex differences contribute to major depression and how immune and brain signals during pregnancy might affect women’s heart health later in life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 9, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,500,000 |
| NIH project number | 2U54MH118919-06A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11301316 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder or at risk for it, especially women, and individuals with a history that suggests sex-specific brain-immune interactions.
✕Less likely to help
People without depression or those not impacted by sex-specific neuroimmune factors may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
The project explores how prenatal immune experiences and brain–body signaling differ between sexes and how these differences may shape depression and cardiovascular risk in women. It studies brain circuits involved in mood and autonomic control, focusing on connections between the brainstem, hypothalamus, and mood areas, and how immune factors during pregnancy may influence these pathways. By examining these links, the study aims to identify mechanisms that could inform future therapies for depression that also support heart health in women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could reveal targets to prevent or treat depression in women while also reducing cardiovascular risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests sex differences in brain circuits and immune factors play a role in mood and cardiovascular risk, with more to learn about their interaction.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goldstein, Jill M — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Goldstein, Jill M
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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.