How human cells stop Toxoplasma parasites
Restriction of Toxoplasma growth in human cells
This project looks at how signals from human immune cells help stop Toxoplasma parasites, aiming to help people with weakened immune systems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11228383 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use primary human cells in the lab and stimulate them with immune signals like IFNγ and TNFα to see how those cells inhibit Toxoplasma gondii. They will study parasite-secreted proteins (ROPs and GRAs) that let the parasite survive in human cells and use CRISPR to identify parasite genes that counter human defenses. The team will compare human cell responses to what is known from mouse studies to find human-specific ways cells detect and destroy the parasite. Results could guide targeted strategies to protect at-risk groups such as newborns and immunosuppressed people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would include people with prior Toxoplasma infection, individuals with weakened immune systems (for example, people with HIV/AIDS), or healthy volunteers willing to donate blood or other samples for lab studies.
Not a fit: People without Toxoplasma exposure who are not at risk, and patients who need immediate clinical care, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to new treatments or prevention approaches to protect newborns and people with weakened immune systems from severe toxoplasmosis.
How similar studies have performed: Mouse studies have shown IFNγ-driven control of Toxoplasma, but applying and confirming those mechanisms in human cells is relatively new and still being worked out.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saeij, Jeroen — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Saeij, Jeroen
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.