The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) awarded a Project Grant under the Mental Health Research Grants program (CFDA 93.242) to Laureate Institute For Brain Research, LLC (LIBR) to investigate the association between cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, neuroinflammation, and depression. The $161,658 grant, awarded on May 17, 2024, aims to: (1) determine the links between CMV seropositivity, brain alterations, and depression using the UK Biobank dataset; (2) explore genetic predisposition to CMV infection and its impact on brain integrity and depressive symptoms; and (3) elucidate the inflammatory molecular pathways through which CMV may affect brain function and depression risk. The research leverages advanced neuroimaging, genetic analysis, and behavioral assessments to gain a comprehensive understanding of how neurotropic viral infections, such as CMV, may contribute to the development of mood disorders. This 4-year project builds upon LIBR's expertise in neuroimaging and mental health research, providing training to bridge the knowledge gap on viral epidemiology in the context of psychiatric conditions.
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