Creating a tiny human gut model to understand how our bodies fight parasitic infections
Development of a human intestinal microphysiological system for the study of immune responses to protozoan parasites
This project aims to build a miniature human gut system in the lab to better understand how our immune system responds to common parasitic infections.
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 ID | NIH-11139439 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are developing a sophisticated 3D model of the human intestine, complete with blood and lymphatic vessels, to mimic how our gut works. This tiny system will allow them to introduce parasites into the intestinal lining and human immune cells into the surrounding vessels. By observing these interactions, they hope to learn more about how parasitic infections take hold and how our bodies try to fight them off. The goal is to create a versatile tool that can be used to study many different types of protozoan parasites.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation, but future studies building on this model could seek individuals affected by parasitic infections or healthy volunteers for sample donation.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention for parasitic infections would not directly benefit from this early-stage laboratory model development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of parasitic diseases and help in the development of new vaccines or treatments.
How similar studies have performed: While microphysiological systems are a growing field, advanced in vitro models specifically for parasitic infection and immunity are currently underrepresented and this approach is novel for this specific application.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Knoll, Laura J — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Knoll, Laura J
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.