How host and parasite genetics shape resistance and evasion
Official title: Evolutionary Systems Biology of Host-Parasite Interactions
Funded at University of California Riverside · NIH-11332823 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in humans, animals, and model systems will explore how natural genetic differences in hosts and helminth parasites influence infection and immune responses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Riverside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $378,174 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM151194-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11332823 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals or populations in areas with helminth exposure, or patients with helminth-related infections, may ultimately benefit from insights.
✕Less likely to help
Results may be most relevant to populations experiencing helminth infections; some findings may not translate to all conditions or individuals.
What this research studies
Researchers aim to uncover how genome-wide genetic variation in both hosts and parasites affects how infections spread and how immunity develops. Using genetically tractable models, they will identify key traits and map their genetic bases, then test how specific variants influence host resistance or parasite evasion. The work will connect environmental factors like geographic infection pressure and temperature with genetic differences observed in populations. This could help explain why some people or animals resist infection better than others and how parasites adapt over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding the genetic factors behind host resistance and parasite evasion could inform new strategies for therapies, vaccines, and public health interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in model systems has revealed genetic architectures of host–parasite interactions, supporting further mechanistic studies in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Riverside
Riverside, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Groen, Simon Cornelis — University of California Riverside
- Study coordinator: Groen, Simon Cornelis
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Cellular programming by plant signaling in cancer and other diseases
Scientists are studying how plant cell signals control gene activity in the nucleus and mitochondria to understand faulty regulation that can occur in cancers and other disorders.
-
Caveolin-1 helps brain vessels stay healthy after juvenile concussion
A study in kids and young adults looks at how a protein called Caveolin-1 affects brain blood vessels after a mild concussion and whether targeting it could protect long-term brain health.
-
How tiny cell antennae control signals linked to birth defects and cancer
Researchers are looking for new proteins in cells' tiny antennae that control signals involved in certain birth defects and cancers to point toward future treatments.
-
New ways to make natural compounds that could fight cancer, Alzheimer's, and inflammation
A scientist team will make and test natural-looking molecules to see if they can block proteins linked to cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and inflammatory conditions.
-
Promoting Coping Skills to Reduce Health Gaps in Teens and Young Adults
A study tests a shift-and-persist coping approach to help racial/ethnic minority teens and young adults handle stress and reduce risks for chronic disease.
-
Laser particle barcoding to track live cells and their omics in breast cancer
A new technique uses special laser-coded particles to follow individual breast cancer cells in real time while linking their live behavior to multi-omics data.
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.