How the Toxoplasma parasite breaks into human cells
Host cell membrane perforation during invasion by Toxoplasma gondii
['FUNDING_U01'] · UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT & ST AGRIC COLLEGE · NIH-11248063
This work is learning how the Toxoplasma parasite punches through cells and delivers proteins that make infections severe, with the goal of helping people with weakened immune systems and pregnant people.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT & ST AGRIC COLLEGE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BURLINGTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11248063 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Scientists will watch the parasite's invasion process in lab-grown cells to see how it makes holes in the host cell membrane. They will focus on rhoptry organelles and the effector proteins those organelles inject, using molecular and imaging tools to track where proteins go and which host factors are affected. The team may use cell models and possibly animal models and biochemical techniques to map the delivery steps and identify vulnerable parasite or host molecules. Findings could point to targets for new drugs that are easier to tolerate than current treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most likely to benefit include those with weakened immune systems (such as advanced HIV/AIDS) and pregnant people at risk of transmitting toxoplasmosis to the fetus.
Not a fit: People without risk factors for toxoplasmosis or those seeking immediate treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal new drug targets that lead to safer, more effective treatments for toxoplasmosis, especially for people with HIV/AIDS or pregnant people.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has identified many parasite effector proteins and their effects, but the exact membrane-perforation and delivery process is largely uncharted, making this approach novel.
Where this research is happening
BURLINGTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT & ST AGRIC COLLEGE — BURLINGTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WARD, GARY E — UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT & ST AGRIC COLLEGE
- Study coordinator: WARD, GARY E
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome