Investigating a protein's role in treating cryptosporidiosis in infants
Role of Host Protein Kinase C in Cryptosporidiosis
This study is looking at how a protein in our bodies might influence how babies get sick from a tough diarrhea-causing bug called cryptosporidiosis, with the goal of finding better treatments to help these little ones feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10892874 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a specific human protein, known as protein kinase C (PKCα), affects susceptibility to cryptosporidiosis, a severe diarrheal disease in infants. The team aims to develop new therapies that target this protein to improve treatment options for affected children. By integrating human genetics with parasite biology, the research seeks to create innovative host-targeted therapies, which could be more effective than traditional treatments. The study is particularly significant as it addresses a critical gap in available treatments for infants suffering from this disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants and young children, particularly those from low-resource settings who are at risk for cryptosporidiosis.
Not a fit: Patients who are older than 21 or those who do not have cryptosporidiosis may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective new treatments for cryptosporidiosis in infants, significantly improving their health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: This approach is innovative and has not been widely tested in the context of cryptosporidiosis, although similar host-targeted therapies have shown promise in other infectious diseases.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marie, Chelsea S. — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Marie, Chelsea S.
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.