Creating a model to study how the immune system responds to intestinal parasites
Official title: Development of a human intestinal microphysiological system for the study of immune responses to protozoan parasites
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10881985 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a special lab model that looks like the human gut to help us learn how our immune system reacts to certain parasites, which could lead to better ways to prevent and treat infections for people who need it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | July 5, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $769,091 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI172874-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10881985 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with or are at risk for infections caused by protozoan parasites.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-parasitic gastrointestinal diseases or those who do not have a history of parasitic infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a sophisticated laboratory model that mimics the human gut environment to better understand how the immune system interacts with protozoan parasites. By using a 3D microfluidic device, researchers will simulate the intestinal architecture and introduce both parasites and immune cells to observe their interactions. This approach aims to uncover the mechanisms of disease progression and immune responses, which are currently poorly understood. The findings could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating parasitic infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of effective vaccines or treatments for enteric parasitic infections.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of microphysiological systems is gaining traction, this specific approach to studying immune responses to protozoan parasites is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Knoll, Laura J — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Knoll, Laura J
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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.