How brain immune cells fight Toxoplasma in people with advanced HIV
Microglial immunity in Toxoplasmic encephalitis
This project looks at how brain immune cells called microglia respond when Toxoplasma parasites reactivate in people with HIV so researchers can better understand dangerous brain infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11325074 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, the team will study how microglia — the brain's resident immune cells — behave during Toxoplasma gondii infection in the context of HIV-related immune decline. They will use advanced imaging and lab models to watch microglia activity, measure antimicrobial pathways, and track production of the signaling molecule CCL2. Experiments will compare conditions that mimic AIDS to find differences in microglial responses that allow parasite reactivation. The goal is to point to microglial functions that might be boosted or targeted to prevent or limit Toxoplasmic encephalitis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV, especially those with advanced immune suppression or a history of Toxoplasma exposure, would be the most relevant group for this work.
Not a fit: People without HIV or those not at risk for Toxoplasma reactivation are unlikely to see direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat Toxoplasma brain infections in people living with HIV by targeting microglial responses.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown that immune cells control Toxoplasma, but the specific role of microglia during HIV-associated reactivation is largely unexplored and remains novel.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lodoen, Melissa Bruckner — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Lodoen, Melissa Bruckner
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.