Investigating how a pork tapeworm affects the immune system in brain infections.
Official title: Understanding Immune Modulation in Taenia solium neurocysticercosis by using a novel postoncosphere in vitro model
Funded at Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia · NIH-10828421 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a brain infection from a tapeworm can cause epilepsy, and it's trying to understand how different stages of the tapeworm affect the brain's immune response, which could help find better treatments for people dealing with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lima, Peru) |
| Project start | May 1, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $134,447 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI150544-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10828421 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with neurocysticercosis or those experiencing symptoms related to this condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurocysticercosis who are already receiving effective treatment or those with other unrelated neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on neurocysticercosis, a brain infection caused by the Taenia solium tapeworm, which is a leading cause of acquired epilepsy in many developing countries. The study utilizes a novel in vitro model to observe the different stages of the tapeworm's development and how these stages influence immune responses in the brain. By analyzing the proteins and molecules secreted by the tapeworm at various stages, researchers aim to better understand the inflammatory processes that contribute to neurological complications in affected patients. This could lead to improved treatment strategies for those suffering from this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatment options and management strategies for patients with neurocysticercosis, potentially reducing the incidence of epilepsy associated with this infection.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited research on the specific immune modulation by Taenia solium, studies on other helminth infections have shown promising results in understanding host-parasite interactions.
Where this research is happening
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Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia
Lima, Peru Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Verastegui, Manuela Renee — Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia
- Study coordinator: Verastegui, Manuela Renee
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.