Blocking Toxoplasma's energy-making pathway to create better treatments
Validation of the ubiquinone synthesis pathway of Toxoplasma gondii as a novel drug target
Looking at whether stopping a key molecule Toxoplasma gondii uses to make energy could lead to safer, more effective treatments for people with toxoplasmosis, especially those with weakened immune systems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11139417 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how the parasite Toxoplasma gondii makes ubiquinone, a molecule it needs for mitochondrial function, using laboratory experiments on the parasite and related models. They will test compounds that block this pathway and compare their effects to existing drugs that target the parasite's mitochondria. The team aims to find agents that reach the brain better and cause fewer allergic reactions than current therapies. Findings will guide future animal studies and, if promising, later human testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with active or recurrent toxoplasmosis — especially those with weakened immune systems such as people living with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients, or patients on chemotherapy — would be the most likely future candidates for treatments developed from this work.
Not a fit: People without toxoplasmosis or with unrelated health problems would not benefit directly from this preclinical research, and current findings may not immediately change clinical care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new drugs that clear chronic Toxoplasma infections more effectively and are safer for people with weakened immune systems.
How similar studies have performed: Some approved drugs like atovaquone target the parasite's mitochondrial chain but have limitations, and targeting ubiquinone synthesis is a newer approach with encouraging lab results but limited clinical data so far.
Where this research is happening
Athens, United States
- University of Georgia — Athens, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moreno, Silvia N — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Moreno, Silvia N
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 below.