Opportunity Overview
Background and challenge
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) impacts more than 28 million individuals worldwide, with approximately 700,000 people affected in the UK. The economic impact on the UK is significant, exceeding £27 billion annually. Numerous epidemiological studies consistently link maternal immune activation (MIA) resulting from infections, autoimmune conditions, or genetic predispositions during pregnancy to an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including ASD, in offspring. Understanding the impact of MIA on foetal brain development is crucial, especially considering the heightened risk associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Research using animal models to mimic conditions similar to those seen in MIA has highlighted its connection to the development of ASD. These studies showed changes in behaviour and brain structure like what is observed in ASD. However, we still don't fully understand the specific ways this happens at the cellular and molecular levels. It's crucial to recognize that while animal models give us helpful information, they have some limitations in completely mirroring human brain development because of differences between species. Therefore, a human-specific model system is essential to study how MIA contributes to the onset of ASD more accurately.
How do we overcome the challenge?
To address this limitation and knowledge gap, we've created a novel model system called "cerebroids," a unique 3D culture of human foetal brain tissue with which we can study brain development. This innovative approach allows us to closely examine brain development by accurately representing diverse cell types and developmental stages within the foetal brain. Using this model, we aim to uncover why there is an increased risk of autism when mothers experience immune activation during pregnancy.
Questions we will ask during this project?
Cytokines are small molecules released by...
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) impacts more than 28 million individuals worldwide, with approximately 700,000 people affected in the UK. The economic impact on the UK is significant, exceeding £27 billion annually. Numerous epidemiological studies consistently link maternal immune activation (MIA) resulting from infections, autoimmune conditions, or genetic predispositions during pregnancy to an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including ASD, in offspring. Understanding the impact of MIA on foetal brain development is crucial, especially considering the heightened risk associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Research using animal models to mimic conditions similar to those seen in MIA has highlighted its connection to the development of ASD. These studies showed changes in behaviour and brain structure like what is observed in ASD. However, we still don't fully understand the specific ways this happens at the cellular and molecular levels. It's crucial to recognize that while animal models give us helpful information, they have some limitations in completely mirroring human brain development because of differences between species. Therefore, a human-specific model system is essential to study how MIA contributes to the onset of ASD more accurately.
How do we overcome the challenge?
To address this limitation and knowledge gap, we've created a novel model system called "cerebroids," a unique 3D culture of human foetal brain tissue with which we can study brain development. This innovative approach allows us to closely examine brain development by accurately representing diverse cell types and developmental stages within the foetal brain. Using this model, we aim to uncover why there is an increased risk of autism when mothers experience immune activation during pregnancy.
Questions we will ask during this project?
Cytokines are small molecules released by...
This is one of 1,831 active United Kingdom Research Development opportunities most of your competitors will never see.
Your competitors are watching the same crowded contracts everyone else is. Track this opportunity and every one like it worldwide, set deadline alerts, and win where they aren’t. Free for 14 days, no card.
Start FreeSolicitation Details
| Issuing agency | MRC |
|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Category | Research Development |
| Published | April 30, 2025 |
| Procurement stage | Active solicitation |
| Response due | April 29, 2029 |
| Status | Open — accepting responses |
| Official source | View original notice |
| Last verified | August 12, 2026 |
Source: UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) — Open Government Licence v3.0.
Related Opportunities in United Kingdom
See every United Kingdom Research Development opportunity your competition is missing. Free for 14 days.
Get real-time alerts, competitive intelligence, and deadline tracking for this and every market worldwide.
Start Free Trial — No Card RequiredFree 14-day trial · no card required
See who is already competing here →Get a free United Kingdom Research Development intelligence report in your inbox
A personalized report on United Kingdom Research Development opportunities, emailed in 5-10 minutes. One per month, no account needed.