How the placenta protects babies from Toxoplasma infection
Placental resistance and response to the teratogenic pathogen Toxoplasma gondii
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11300102
This work explores how placental cells block the parasite Toxoplasma gondii to protect pregnant people and their unborn babies.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11300102 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If I'm pregnant, researchers will study the placental cells that form the barrier between me and my baby, focusing on why the outer layer (syncytiotrophoblasts) resists Toxoplasma while other placental cells do not. They will use lab-grown placental cells, genetic models, and molecular assays to find the physical barriers and signals that stop the parasite. The team will also measure changes in gene activity when placental cells meet Toxoplasma to identify protective molecules. These findings could point to new tests or ways to prevent the parasite from reaching the fetus.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This is most relevant to pregnant people who have been newly exposed to or diagnosed with Toxoplasma or to individuals willing to donate placental tissue for research.
Not a fit: People who are not pregnant or who have no risk of Toxoplasma exposure are unlikely to see direct benefit from this lab-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to tests or treatments that lower the chance of passing Toxoplasma to the fetus and reduce birth defects.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies, including the investigators' published data, show placental syncytiotrophoblasts resist Toxoplasma and trigger unique gene responses, but translating those findings into patient tests or therapies has not yet been achieved.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BOYLE, JON P — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: BOYLE, JON P
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.