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Updated: Sep 9, 2025
Induction of Maternal Immune Activation in Mice at Mid-gestation Stage with Viral Mimic PolyI:C
Published on: March 25, 2016
SARS-CoV-2 vaccination during pregnancy enhances offspring hippocampal neurogenesis and working memory via
Jiaoling Tang1, Fangfang Qi2,3, Juntao Zou1
1Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
Insights
Maternal COVID-19 vaccination enhanced offspring's working memory and neurogenesis. This study suggests SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are safe during pregnancy, promoting positive neurodevelopmental outcomes in mice.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- COVID-19 vaccines are recommended during pregnancy due to severe disease risks.
- The impact of maternal vaccination on offspring neurodevelopment requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of maternal SARS-CoV-2 vaccination on mouse offspring's physical development, behavior, and neurogenesis.
- To identify potential mechanisms underlying observed neurodevelopmental changes.
Main Methods:
- Mice dams received inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (Vero Cell) during gestation.
- Offspring were assessed for physical development, behavior (working memory), and hippocampal neurogenesis markers.
- Luminex assays and conditional knockout experiments were used to explore molecular pathways.
Main Results:
- Maternal vaccination led to detectable antibodies in dams and pups.
- Offspring exhibited enhanced working memory, increased neural proliferation, neuroblast formation, stem cell activity, and mature neurons in the dentate gyrus.
- Elevated hippocampal IFN-γ and CX3CL1 were observed, mediated by microglial IFNγR1 and CX3CR1.
Conclusions:
- Maternal SARS-CoV-2 vaccination may transiently enhance hippocampal neurogenesis and working memory in offspring.
- The study suggests no neurodevelopmental risks associated with maternal vaccination.
- Microglial pathways play a crucial role in mediating these effects.
Abstract:
In the face of severe outcomes from COVID-19, vaccines have proven immunogenic and safe and are strongly recommended during pregnancy. This study examines the effects of maternal COVID-19 vaccination on physical development, behavior, and neurogenesis in mouse offspring. After inoculation with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (Vero Cell) at gestational day 14.5, antibodies were detected in the serum of dams and pups. At one month of age, offspring of vaccinated dams-but not controls-showed enhanced working memory, increased neural proliferation, neuroblast formation, stem cell activity, and more mature neurons in the dentate gyrus (DG). Luminex assay showed elevated hippocampal IFN-γ and CX3CL1, both linked to neurogenesis and memory. Conditional knockout experiments identified microglial IFNγR1 and CX3CR1 as key mediators of neuronal development through regulating microglial activation and chemotaxis. These findings suggest maternal SARS-CoV-2 vaccination transiently enhances hippocampal neurogenesis and working memory in offspring, without causing neurodevelopmental risk.
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