How the body fights Cryptosporidium gut infections
Immunity to Cryptosporidium
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11252797
This project looks at how children's immune systems, especially certain white blood cells and immune signals, clear Cryptosporidium infections so better vaccines or treatments can be developed.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11252797 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are using advanced parasite genetics and mouse models to learn how the immune system clears Cryptosporidium. They focus on CD4+ T cells and the immune signals IFN-γ and IL-22, and will study how signaling proteins STAT1 and STAT3 in gut cells affect parasite clearance. Laboratory work combines genetically modified parasites, immune-cell analysis, and intestinal cell studies to map the pathways that protect against infection. The goal is to identify immune targets that could guide vaccine design or new therapies for children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The research is most relevant to young children with Cryptosporidium diarrhea and people with T‑cell immune defects who might benefit from future vaccine or treatment trials.
Not a fit: Adults with brief, self-limited Cryptosporidium infections or people not at risk of exposure are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this lab-focused work in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify immune targets for vaccines or therapies that prevent life-threatening Cryptosporidium infections in young children.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies show CD4+ T cells and IFN-γ help control Cryptosporidium, but the involvement of IL-22 and the detailed STAT1/STAT3 enterocyte mechanisms are newer and less proven.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HUNTER, CHRISTOPHER A — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: HUNTER, CHRISTOPHER A
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.