How regulatory T cells behave in muscle infected by Toxoplasma
T Regulatory cell responses in Toxoplasma-infected muscle
This project looks at why a type of immune cell called regulatory T cells causes inflammation instead of helping heal muscles chronically infected with Toxoplasma gondii.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11260167 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are examining muscles that harbor long-term Toxoplasma infections to understand why normally protective regulatory T cells become harmful. Using mouse models, they measure signals from these T cells, test how the immune transcription factor T-bet changes their behavior, and study how the tissue-repair molecule amphiregulin affects muscle damage. The team manipulates Treg pathways and gives recombinant amphiregulin to see whether muscle inflammation and function can be improved. The experiments aim to identify molecular targets that could guide future treatments to protect and repair infected muscle.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic Toxoplasma infection who have muscle pain, weakness, or evidence of muscle involvement would be the most relevant group for future clinical translation.
Not a fit: People with asymptomatic Toxoplasma infection or muscle problems caused by non-infectious conditions are less likely to benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to reduce infection-related muscle inflammation and improve muscle repair and function.
How similar studies have performed: In mice, giving amphiregulin has already reduced muscle pathology, but targeting T-bet in muscle regulatory T cells is a newer approach that has not yet been tested in people.
Where this research is happening
Amherst, United States
- State University of New York at Buffalo — Amherst, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wohlfert, Elizabeth — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Wohlfert, Elizabeth
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.