How schistosome surface proteins help the parasite survive in blood
Functional Characterization of the Schistosome Tegument
This work looks at proteins on the surface of schistosome worms to find new ways to stop schistosomiasis and help people who have the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261120 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have schistosomiasis, researchers will examine proteins on the outer surface of the parasite to learn how the worms avoid blood clots and get nutrients. They will use lab biochemical tests and animal experiments to see how specific enzymes affect clotting, nutrient production, and parasite survival. The team will measure clot formation, thrombolysis, and parasite growth after altering these surface proteins. Results could point to parasite molecules to block with drugs or to test as vaccine targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people living with or exposed to schistosomiasis who can provide samples or take part in future clinical work stemming from this research.
Not a fit: People without schistosomiasis or those unable to provide samples or travel to participating sites are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify parasite proteins that become new drug or vaccine targets to kill worms or prevent infection.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work identified these tegument proteins and early lab studies suggest roles in clotting and nutrient supply, but translating those findings into treatments or vaccines remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Tufts University Boston — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Skelly, Patrick J — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Skelly, Patrick J
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.