Drugs that block protein recycling to treat trichomoniasis
Proteasome inhibitors against mucosal protozoan pathogens
This project develops new drugs that block the parasite's protein-recycling machinery to treat trichomoniasis, including infections resistant to current medicines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11161588 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on trichomoniasis, a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. Scientists are designing and testing compounds that target the parasite's proteasome, its system for degrading proteins. They have isolated the parasite proteasome, shown the compounds kill the parasite at very low doses in lab tests, and demonstrated protection in mouse infection models, including strains resistant to metronidazole. The team is also checking effects on human cells to help guide development of safe treatments for people, especially women who often have longer infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with confirmed trichomoniasis, particularly those with recurrent or metronidazole/tinidazole-resistant infections, would be the ideal candidates for future trials.
Not a fit: Patients without trichomoniasis or whose infections are already cleared by standard treatment are unlikely to benefit from this work in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new, effective treatments for trichomoniasis, including drug-resistant cases, with potentially fewer side effects than current nitro drugs.
How similar studies have performed: Proteasome inhibitors are already used successfully in cancer, and early laboratory and mouse studies suggest this approach can kill Trichomonas, but human use for this infection is novel.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eckmann, Lars — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Eckmann, Lars
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.