Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is shedding light on how vitamin C supplementation during pregnancy could help protect babies from some of the harmful effects of maternal smoking. 

The Problem: Smoking and Pregnancy 

Smoking during pregnancy is known to harm fetal development, particularly the lungs, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels. Nicotine crosses the placenta, directly impacting the growing fetus and often leading to long-term respiratory issues for children born to mothers who smoke. 

The Study: Can Vitamin C Help? 

Researchers at OHSU, led by Dr. Eliot Spindel and Dr. Cindy McEvoy, conducted a clinical trial involving pregnant women who were unable to quit smoking. All participants received a standard prenatal vitamin with 60 mg of vitamin C, but one group also received an additional 500 mg of vitamin C daily. 

Key Findings: Improved Placental Blood Flow 

Using Doppler ultrasound, the team measured blood flow in the umbilical cord. They found that vitamin C supplementation improved placental blood flow in smokers, bringing it closer to the levels seen in nonsmokers. Examining placentas after birth, researchers also observed improved blood vessel development and overall placental function in babies whose mothers received extra vitamin C. 

“It is clear that placental development is abnormal in women who smoke. …In this human clinical trial, it is important to note that some, but not all, abnormalities were prevented by vitamin C intake,” said Dr. Spindel. 

Long-Term Benefits for Babies 

Follow-up studies showed that children born to mothers who took extra vitamin C had better lung function at 3 months, 12 months, and even at age 5 compared to those whose mothers did not receive the supplement. 

Limitations and Continued Risks 

While vitamin C supplementation improved some aspects of placental and fetal health, it did not prevent all the negative effects of smoking during pregnancy. Risks such as premature birth, reduced brain development, and stunted growth remain, and vitamin C does not address these issues. 

Why Not Just Quit Smoking? 

Despite public health efforts, more than half of women who smoke continue during pregnancy. Nicotine is highly addictive, and genetic factors can make quitting especially difficult for some individuals. Importantly, the study also notes that nicotine from vaping and other products likely poses similar risks to fetal development. 

What’s Next? 

Vitamin C supplementation during pregnancy may help mitigate some of the harm caused by smoking, particularly by improving placental blood flow and supporting better lung function in children. However, quitting smoking remains the best way to protect both maternal and fetal health.

A study led by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) reveals that using cannabis during pregnancy may negatively affect fetal lung development and future respiratory health. The findings, published in the American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology, are the first to directly examine how maternal THC consumption impacts offspring respiratory health using a nonhuman primate model. 

Key Findings from ONPRC Research 

The research team, including Dr. Jamie Lo and colleagues at OHSU, administered daily THC edibles to pregnant nonhuman primates and compared them to a placebo group. They used fetal MRI scans to assess lung development during pregnancy and performed pulmonary function tests on the infants at six months old. 

Results showed that prenatal THC exposure led to significantly decreased lung volume starting early in fetal development, a difference that persisted at six months of age. The study also found changes in lung gene expression and DNA methylation, which may help explain why the effects of THC exposure during pregnancy could last a lifetime. These changes could increase the risk of children developing chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma later in life. 

Rising Cannabis Use and the Need for Evidence-Based Guidance 

Cannabis use during pregnancy is becoming more common, especially in the first trimester, as some expectant mothers turn to THC products to manage symptoms like morning sickness. However, limited data on the safety of cannabis in pregnancy has left many patients and clinicians without clear guidance on the risks involved. 

Dr. Lo, the study’s lead author, emphasizes the importance of these findings for healthcare providers and patients.  

Dr. Eliot Spindel, senior author and professor at ONPRC, added, “Children born with decreased lung function at birth are more likely to follow a lower trajectory of lung function as they age, increasing their risk to develop childhood asthma and respiratory diseases as adults.”  

What’s Next 

The ONPRC team hopes their research will help inform evidence-based recommendations regarding cannabis use during pregnancy and guide clinicians in counseling their patients. While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects, this study raises important concerns about the potential impact of prenatal THC exposure on respiratory health. 

The Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) is at the forefront of providing hope for patients who face life-threatening conditions.

Take Batten disease, a fatal neurodegenerative disorder for which there is no cure. In 2018, researchers at the ONPRC identified a naturally occurring mutation in Japanese macaques that mimics Batten disease in people; this specific species of macaque is the only known nonhuman primate model in which the condition occurs naturally. The ONPRC team’s long-term stewardship and care of this unique research species continue to provide hope for curing a terminal disorder.

Similarly, recent news about the development of the first personalized gene therapy for “Baby KJ” catalyzed a new treatment pathway toward individualized therapies for rare diseases. The integrative research approach included new approach methodologies (NAMs) and studies in long-tailed macaques (LTMs) to assess safety before treatment (Musunuru et al., 2025).

Both examples emphasize the continuing need for research with animals.

If the United States is serious about making our country healthy, we must protect the full research ecosystem that makes discovering causes, preventions, treatments and cures possible. That structure includes NAMs and research with NHPs when no other scientific models are appropriate. Anything less stands to jeopardize scientific rigor, safety and validity, stall movement toward future breakthroughs and even stop work that holds the promise of improved health for our nation and world.

How NPRC Research Accelerated HIV Advances From 2020–2025

From breakthroughs in prevention to promising treatments, the National Primate Research Centers (NPRCs) have played a crucial role in advancing HIV research. Working with nonhuman primates, the closest biomedical model to humans, NPRC researchers have tackled some of HIV’s biggest challenges: viral persistence, brain invasion, co-infections and the limits of current therapies. Together, these discoveries mark some of the most significant progress toward long-term remission and potential cures in decades.

Strengthening Vaccines and Early Prevention

NPRC advances include efforts to block infection before it starts. Researchers at the Emory National Primate Research Center (ENPRC) at Emory University showed that an Env-plus-Gag HIV vaccine regimen in rhesus macaques provided durable protection from SHIV, the simian version of HIV, even when neutralizing antibody levels were low. This finding expanded thinking around the types of immune responses a successful vaccine must generate.

At the same time, Oregon NPRC scientists found that leronlimab, a monoclonal antibody that blocks the CCR5 co-receptor, effectively prevented SHIV infection in nonhuman primate models. Already tested in human studies for viral suppression, the antibody also showed promise as a PrEP-style preventive option.

Targeting HIV’s Hidden Reservoirs

Because HIV hides in tissues the immune system can’t easily reach, several NPRC studies focused on uncovering and disrupting these viral reservoirs. ENPRC scientists discovered that the anti-inflammatory molecule IL-10 helps HIV-infected cells survive in lymph nodes. Blocking IL-10, alongside antiretroviral therapy (ART), reduced the number of infected reservoir cells, marking an important step toward weakening HIV’s stronghold.

Researchers at Emory NPRC also identified specialized follicle-infiltrating NK cells capable of entering B-cell follicles in lymph nodes, one of HIV’s most protected hiding places. These findings point toward future therapies that could guide immune cells directly into viral reservoir sites.

Additional “shock and kill” studies at Wisconsin NPRC showed that both latency-reversing drugs and checkpoint inhibitor combinations can reactivate dormant virus while nonhuman primates are on ART, laying groundwork for strategies that flush HIV out of hiding.

Immune-Based Therapies Move Toward Functional Cure

By 2024, several NPRC collaborations delivered results that brought the field closer to long-term remission without lifelong treatment. A landmark study testing N-803 (IL-15 superagonist) plus broadly neutralizing antibodies achieved long-lasting viral control in most SHIV-infected macaques even after ART was stopped. The findings have now progressed to early-phase human clinical trials.

Emory NPRC researchers also identified a particularly potent subset of CD8⁺ T cells (TCF1⁺CD39⁺) that excel at controlling SIV and resisting exhaustion. The importance of these cells has been confirmed also in people with HIV and may become powerful tools in future immunotherapies.

Understanding HIV in the Brain

Another major advancement came from California NPRC, where researchers discovered how HIV enters and persists in the brain. Their work showed that CD4 T cells can inadvertently carry virus into neural tissue, helping explain why HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders persist even when ART is effective.

Addressing Co-Infections and Real-World Treatment Needs

HIV rarely exists in isolation. In 2025, Texas Biomed and the Southwest NPRC demonstrated that a promising tuberculosis therapy did not interfere with combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) used to treat HIV, supporting its safe use in people co-infected with HIV and TB. Because the drug is already FDA-approved for use in cancer patients, it could accelerate potential approval for TB/HIV treatment compared to developing an entirely new drug.

A Path Toward Remission

Building on these advances, Emory NPRC researchers reported one of the strongest signals yet that a functional cure for HIV may be achievable. In a stringent SIV model, a targeted combination therapy, blocking two negative regulators of the immune system, IL-10 and PD-1, enabled durable control of viral rebound in 9 of 10 nonhuman primates for six months after ART ended, an unprecedented result that strengthens the path toward future human trials. This is a direct proof of concept that the immune system can be harnessed with immune-based interventions to control HIV.

The Bottom Line

Between 2020 and 2025, NPRC research meaningfully advanced the HIV landscape. Through innovative vaccine approaches, better understanding of persistence, targeted immune strategies and real-world treatment insights, the NPRCs have laid essential groundwork for an era in which long-term HIV remission, and ultimately a cure, becomes an attainable goal.

Understanding the Need for New Contraceptive Options 

Many people seeking birth control want non-hormonal options, but choices remain limited. In the United States, about 45% of pregnancies are unintended, and most result from either not using contraception or using it incorrectly. Hormonal contraceptives are not suitable for everyone, so there is a strong demand for new, non-invasive alternatives. 

The Cervix: A Natural Barrier to Fertility 

The cervix acts as a gateway to fertility. Sperm must pass through cervical mucus to reach the uterus and fallopian tubes for fertilization. Cervical mucus changes throughout the menstrual cycle, becoming thinner during ovulation to allow sperm passage, and thickening after ovulation to block sperm and pathogens. This natural barrier presents a promising target for new contraceptive methods. 

Building a Lab Model to Study Cervical Mucus 

A research team led by Dr. Leo Han at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) has developed a new lab-based (in vitro) model to study how cervical mucus changes during the menstrual cycle. Using cells from rhesus macaques, which have cervical structures similar to humans, the team grew and treated these cells with hormones to mimic different cycle phases. 

Key Findings: Genes That Regulate Fertile Mucus 

By analyzing genetic activity in these cultured cells, the researchers identified hundreds of genes that play a role in mucus production and consistency. They discovered that these genes respond differently depending on hormone levels, revealing potential drug targets for blocking sperm without hormones. One important protein, MUC5B, helps form the gel-like structure of mucus, while ion channels influence hydration and thickness. 

A Powerful Tool for Future Contraceptive Research 

This new lab model allows scientists to study cervical mucus in a controlled environment, making it easier to understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate fertility. The team is now testing non-hormonal compounds that could inhibit fertile mucus production in nonhuman primates, moving a step closer to new non-hormonal birth control options. 

Promoting Reproductive Justice 

Lead author Dr. Katrina Rapp emphasizes that expanding contraceptive choices is especially important for marginalized and disadvantaged populations, who are more likely to experience unplanned pregnancies. By focusing on non-hormonal, non-invasive methods, this research could help promote reproductive justice and improve health equity. 

Research Support and Ethical Oversight 

This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health, March of Dimes Foundation, and other partners. All animal research at OHSU is reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) to ensure ethical standards and scientific value. 

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) have uncovered new protective properties of amniotic fluid, opening the door to potential advances in prenatal care and therapies for pregnancy-related complications. 

Amniotic fluid, the vital substance that cushions and protects a developing fetus, has long been known to support organ development and regulate temperature in the womb. However, its full range of functions has remained a mystery, partly because it is difficult to study throughout pregnancy. Now, a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Jamie Lo at ONPRC has taken a closer look at how amniotic fluid changes over time and how these changes may benefit both mother and baby. 

The study, published in Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis, found that adding amniotic fluid to plasma, the liquid part of blood, improves the blood’s ability to clot. This discovery points to a critical protective function during pregnancy and delivery, helping to reduce the risk of dangerous bleeding for both the birthing parent and the baby. 

By analyzing amniotic fluid samples from both humans and nonhuman primates at different stages of pregnancy, the team identified key fatty acids and proteins that shift each trimester, enhancing the blood’s ability to coagulate. These findings suggest that the composition of amniotic fluid is tailored to meet the growing needs of the developing fetus and to support the health of the parent. 

The research also highlights the potential for amniotic fluid components to be used in future therapies. The ONPRC team is now collaborating with other OHSU scientists to explore how these protective factors might help treat pregnancy disorders, especially those affecting blood and blood-forming organs. They are also working with OHSU’s Fetal Care Program to collect unique samples from pregnancies involving in-utero surgeries, hoping to identify elements that could improve outcomes for babies with conditions like spina bifida. 

Dr. Brian Scottoline, co-senior author of the study, points out that babies born prematurely miss out on critical weeks of exposure to amniotic fluid. Understanding how amniotic fluid supports development could lead to new formulas or therapies for preterm infants, potentially mimicking the fluid’s benefits outside the womb. 

The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health and other partners, and all animal research was conducted under strict ethical oversight by OHSU’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. 

At the National Primate Research Centers (NPRCs), advancing human health goes hand in hand with a deep commitment to responsible, ethical research. Across all seven NPRCs, scientists are dedicated to improving and refining how research is conducted, investing in innovative alternatives known as non-animal models (NAMs) and only using animals when absolutely necessary.

The 3Rs: A Foundation for Ethical Research

Central to NPRC research is the principle of the “3Rs”: Replace, Reduce, and Refine animal use wherever scientifically possible. Before any study involving animals begins, researchers first use NAMs, such as computer models, organ-on-a-chip technology, and 3D cell cultures, to gather preliminary data and refine their experiments. This approach helps minimize the number of animals needed and ensures the highest standards of care and scientific rigor.

The Power and Limits of Non-Animal Models

NAMs are powerful tools for understanding biology and disease. They allow scientists to screen drugs, predict toxicity, and refine dosing without the use of animals. However, while NAMs provide valuable insights, they cannot yet fully replicate the complexity of a living organism. Many diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, or heart conditions, involve interactions across multiple organ systems, something NAMs alone cannot model.

That’s why NPRC scientists use a hybrid approach: NAMs are used wherever possible, and animal studies are conducted only when there is no other way to answer critical research questions. This ensures that research is both innovative and responsible.

Why Animal Research Remains Essential

U.S. law requires that all new medicines and medical devices be evaluated in animals for safety and efficacy before human trials can begin. Nonhuman primates represent less than 1% of all research animals and are used only when no other species can answer the research questions at hand. Their genetic, physiological, and behavioral similarities to humans make them essential for studying complex diseases and developing new treatments.

NPRCs are committed to the highest standards of animal care and ethics. Studies must be necessary, ethical, and conducted with rigorous oversight. The centers also invest in technologies and methods that refine research and reduce animal stress, such as advanced imaging and noninvasive monitoring.

Leading the Way in Research Alternatives

NPRC scientists are at the forefront of developing and validating new NAMs, with support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These efforts are accelerating, but until alternatives can fully replicate living systems, animal studies remain vital for progress in areas like neurodegenerative, metabolic, and infectious diseases.

By using a combination of NAMs and animal studies, NPRCs are able to maximize scientific accuracy, reduce the use of animals, and ensure that research benefits both human and animal health.

A National Resource for Science and Ethics

The NPRCs serve as a national resource, supporting scientists across the U.S. and around the world. Each center is part of a host academic institution and provides specialized facilities, expertise, and training for the next generation of researchers. Their commitment to the 3Rs and to responsible innovation ensures that every study is conducted with care, for the animals—for science, and for society.

A study involving Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), OHSU, the Oregon, Tulane and Washington National Primate Research Centers, the University of Washington and the University of Pittsburgh has revealed a promising approach to developing a universal influenza vaccine. This innovative “one and done” vaccine could potentially provide lifetime immunity against evolving flu viruses. 

The research, published in Nature Communications, tested an OHSU-developed vaccine platform against the H5N1 avian influenza virus, considered a likely candidate for the next pandemic. Remarkably, the vaccine was based on the 1918 flu virus yet still provided protection against the modern H5N1 strain. 

Key findings from the study include: 

• Six out of 11 vaccinated nonhuman primates survived exposure to H5N1, while all unvaccinated primates succumbed to the virus. 

• The vaccine targets the internal structural proteins of the virus, which remain relatively unchanged over time, unlike the constantly mutating outer surface proteins. 

• This approach could be effective against other mutating viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. 

The vaccine platform, which uses cytomegalovirus (CMV) as a vector, was originally developed to fight HIV and tuberculosis. It works by inducing an immune response from the body’s T cells, specifically targeting the virus’s internal structure. 

Dr. Jonah Sacha, professor and chief of the Division of Pathobiology at OHSU’s Oregon National Primate Research Center and the study’s senior author, believes this breakthrough could lead to a universal flu vaccine within five to ten years. The same platform is already in clinical trials for HIV and shows promise for targeting specific cancer cells. 

This research represents a significant advancement in addressing infectious diseases and could revolutionize our approach to vaccine development for rapidly evolving viruses. 

A recent study led by Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has identified a natural compound that could potentially halt the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) and certain forms of cancer. The research, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, focuses on a plant-derived flavonoid called sulfuretin.

Key findings of the study include:

• Sulfuretin blocks the activity of an enzyme involved in MS and cancer progression.
• The compound inhibits a specific type of hyaluronidase known as CEMIP.
• By inhibiting CEMIP, sulfuretin may prevent the breakdown of hyaluronic acid, which is associated with myelin damage and cancer cell proliferation.

Dr. Larry Sherman, professor at OHSU’s Oregon National Primate Research Center, believes this discovery could have a significant impact on various medical conditions. The research team found that sulfuretin, along with two synthetic compounds, effectively inhibited hyaluronidase activity in live cells.

The study is the result of years of collaborative work between OHSU and the University of Portland, where undergraduate students under the guidance of Dr. Angela Hoffman screened numerous plant compounds. This discovery validates the students’ diligent efforts and highlights the importance of undergraduate research in scientific breakthroughs.

While the results are promising, further testing in animal models is necessary to determine the compound’s effectiveness and potential side effects in treating cancer and neurodegenerative conditions like MS.

This research opens new possibilities for treating a range of disorders, including osteoarthritis, skin infections, and brain injuries caused by heavy alcohol use. As the study progresses, it brings hope for improved treatments for MS, cancer, and other conditions related to hyaluronic acid breakdown.

National Primate Research Centers Prioritize Openness for Scientific Progress

At the forefront of biomedical and behavioral research are the seven National Primate Research Centers (NPRCs). They form a vital network dedicated to conducting and enabling groundbreaking research to improve human and animal health. Studies at the centers include development & aging, genetics & genomics, infectious disease, neuroscience & brain disorders, and reproduction & endocrinology. The NPRCs have been instrumental in driving discoveries crucial for overcoming health challenges and in helping the public understand the significance of research that involves animals.   

A Comprehensive Approach  

A priority of the NPRCs is to share information via local, regional and national outreach. Through a multifaceted approach, the NPRCs foster education and dialogue, ensuring openness about their research and the expert care of animals involved in NPRC research studies.   

From participating in local events to leveraging digital platforms, the NPRCs employ diverse strategies to make connections. NPRC.org provides the latest information for the public, and NPRCresearch.org, which is undergoing updates, ensures the scientific community has comprehensive information about the resources the NPRCs offer NIH-funded researchers. Through timely and engaging content, the NPRCs strive to explain the highly regulated research process and showcase their contributions to scientific progress.   

A Legacy of Excellence  

With a history spanning more than six decades, the NPRCs stand as pillars of scientific expertise and exemplars of public outreach. The U.S. Animal Research Openness initiative (USARO) recently featured information about the NPRCs’ outreach programs on the USARO website. This article provides encouragement for other research centers to follow the NPRC lead.   

A Future Filled with Accurate Information  

As the NPRCs continue to make scientific discoveries, their dedication to openness will continue to expand. The NPRCs believe openness helps empower individuals to make informed decisions, is critical to instilling confidence in scientific research and care of research animals, inspires future generations of scientists and ensures the public has accurate information about how research with animals is improving lives.