How Toxoplasma gondii affects immune cell balance
Official title: Impact of Toxoplasma gondii on Treg homeostasis
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10901125 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the Toxoplasma gondii parasite affects a type of immune cell called regulatory T cells, focusing on what happens to these cells during and after an infection, to help us understand how our immune system works and find new ways to treat related health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI179240-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10901125 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic infections or immune system disorders that may be influenced by Treg dynamics.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without chronic infections or those whose immune system function is not affected by Toxoplasma gondii may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the parasite Toxoplasma gondii impacts the population of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the immune system. It focuses on understanding the collapse of Treg cells during acute infection and how these cells rebuild over time. The study aims to identify the cytokines involved in Treg repopulation and whether chronic inflammation alters Treg characteristics. By examining these processes, the research seeks to provide insights into immune responses and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for conditions related to immune system dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding Treg dynamics in various infections can lead to significant advancements in immunology, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lanzar, Zachary R — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Lanzar, Zachary R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Comparing universal and guideline-directed genetic testing for young adults with cancer
This study is looking at whether a broader genetic test can help young adults with cancer find inherited risks that regular tests might miss, so they can get better treatment and care tailored just for them.
-
Better, searchable data for human pain biology
A data integration center will standardize, combine, and share molecular and cellular data from human pain research to help scientists understand how pain works and to accelerate discoveries.
-
Understanding how sweat glands form and work to help burn and skin injury patients
A study at the University of Pennsylvania looks at how sweat glands develop and function, with the goal of informing treatments for people who suffer traumatic skin injuries.
-
Cardiovascular risk planning and reduction for men with prostate cancer
A program to better predict and reduce heart disease risk in men treated for prostate cancer, especially older patients.
-
Understanding how a special airway cell helps protect and repair breathing passages
A researcher is studying a newly found airway cell called the hillock to see how it protects the airways and helps repair them after injury, with the aim of helping people with asthma, COPD, or bronchiectasis.
-
Defining TMJ cartilage progenitors and their regulatory niche for TMJ regeneration
Researchers are studying the cells that could help repair the jaw’s cartilage in TMJ osteoarthritis to lay the groundwork for regenerative therapies.
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.