How soil-transmitted worms sense heat to find people
Dissecting the thermosensory biology of soil-transmitted parasitic nematodes
Researchers are learning how temperature sensing helps common soil-transmitted worms (like Strongyloides) locate and infect people, with the goal of finding new ways to block infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11170650 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses the human parasite Strongyloides stercoralis as a lab model to examine how these worms respond to temperature cues that guide host-finding and infection. The team combines behavioral assays, high-resolution imaging, and genetic and molecular tools to map the neurons and molecules that control thermosensory behavior. Researchers will compare related species to identify evolutionary changes linked to mammal parasitism. The work is lab-based and focuses on parasite biology rather than testing treatments in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients; it is laboratory research on parasitic worms and their biology rather than a clinical trial.
Not a fit: People currently infected with these parasites should not expect direct or immediate treatment benefits from this lab-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new targets for drugs, repellents, or interventions that prevent worms from locating and infecting people.
How similar studies have performed: Similar sensory and genetic approaches have been informative in model nematodes like C. elegans, but applying these methods directly to human-parasitic worms is relatively new and novel.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bryant, Astra Shamgar — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Bryant, Astra Shamgar
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.