Creating a system to grow Babesia microti in human red blood cells
Official title: Designing a Robust Platform for the In vitro Propagation of Babesia Microti in Human RBCs
Funded at New York Blood Center · NIH-11022235 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to grow the Babesia microti parasite in human red blood cells to learn more about how it affects them, which could help improve treatments for babesiosis in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York Blood Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | December 13, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $427,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R61AI187095-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11022235 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with babesiosis or are at risk of infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other unrelated blood disorders or those who are not at risk for Babesia microti infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a reliable method for cultivating the Babesia microti parasite in human red blood cells (RBCs). By establishing a continuous culture system, the researchers will investigate how the parasite interacts with human RBCs, which is crucial for understanding its invasion mechanisms. The study will involve analyzing different sub-populations of RBCs and optimizing culture conditions to support the growth of the parasite. This foundational work is expected to pave the way for future experiments that could lead to better treatments for babesiosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients suffering from babesiosis.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of culturing Babesia microti in human RBCs is innovative, similar methodologies have shown promise in studying other blood-borne pathogens.
Where this research is happening
-
New York Blood Center
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lobo, Cheryl Ann — New York Blood Center
- Study coordinator: Lobo, Cheryl Ann
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.