A new treatment for a serious eye infection caused by Acanthamoeba.
Official title: Thymosin Beta-4: A novel treatment for Acanthamoeba keratitis
Funded at Clemson University · NIH-11036489 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Thymosin Beta-4 might help treat Acanthamoeba keratitis, a serious eye infection that can cause vision problems, by seeing how it works against the parasite and helps your immune system fight it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clemson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Clemson, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $204,875 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY036992-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036489 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Acanthamoeba keratitis, particularly those who wear contact lenses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Acanthamoeba keratitis or those with other unrelated eye conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of Thymosin Beta-4 as a potential treatment for Acanthamoeba keratitis, a severe eye infection that can lead to vision loss and blindness. The study focuses on understanding how this protein can combat the two life stages of the Acanthamoeba parasite, which is commonly found in environments like swimming pools and contact lens solutions. By exploring the effects of Thymosin Beta-4 on the parasite and the host's immune response, the research aims to develop a more effective treatment option for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel and effective treatment for Acanthamoeba keratitis, potentially reducing the risk of vision loss and the need for surgical interventions.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been various approaches to treating Acanthamoeba infections, the use of Thymosin Beta-4 as a treatment is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in this context.
Where this research is happening
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Clemson University
Clemson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Temesvari, Lesly a — Clemson University
- Study coordinator: Temesvari, Lesly a
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.