How the immune system recognizes Cryptosporidium and uses IFN-γ to fight infection
Understanding Innate Immune Recognition and IFN-g-Mediated Immunity in Cryptosporidiosis
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER · NIH-11317066
The project looks at how early immune sensors and the IFN-γ response help the body fight Cryptosporidium infections, with the goal of helping young children and people with weakened immune systems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11317066 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will use newly developed small mouse models to study how the immune system senses Cryptosporidium at mucosal surfaces and how IFN-γ (a key immune signal) controls infection. The team will examine the roles of specific innate sensors (including the TLR11/TLR12 complex) and cells that make or respond to IFN-γ using mice engineered with cell-specific immune defects. By mapping which pathways protect the gut from C. parvum, the project aims to identify molecular steps that could be targeted by future vaccines or treatments. Findings will build basic knowledge about host defense at mucosal sites and guide later translational work.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by cryptosporidiosis—particularly young children and individuals with weakened immune systems—are the group most likely to benefit from the knowledge generated by this work.
Not a fit: People without Cryptosporidium infection or those whose illness is caused by other pathogens are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets for vaccines or new therapies that prevent or clear Cryptosporidium, especially benefiting children and immunocompromised patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown IFN-γ is important for clearing intestinal parasites, but applying detailed mouse genetic models to pinpoint TLR11/TLR12 and cell-specific IFN-γ roles in Cryptosporidium is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER — ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: YAROVINSKY, FELIX — UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
- Study coordinator: YAROVINSKY, FELIX
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.