Maternal cytomegalovirus infection: immune activation, transmission, and foetal development (B04)

• Subject Area: Reproductive Medicine, Urology ; Immunology ; Virology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 534829736

Infection with human cytomegalovirus (CMV) during pregnancy causes maternal immune activation (MIA), potentially harming foetal development. CMV can cross the placenta, leading to congenital infection. This project explores how murine CMV impacts placental integrity, maternal and offspring health, and the role of Neuropilin 1 in virus transmission. It aims to identify molecular targets to improve placental health and develop a mouse model for congenital CMV.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1713: Maternal Immune Activation: Causes and Consequences
• Applicant Institution: Universität Hamburg
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Wolfram Brune; Professor Felix Stahl, Ph.D.