Investigating how parasite-derived vesicles affect Babesia infections and vaccine development
Official title: Parasite-Derived Vesicles in Babesia virulence and Vaccine Development
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11101475 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny bubbles made by the Babesia parasite help it infect people and how we might use this information to create better vaccines, all to help prevent and treat babesiosis, a serious illness spread by ticks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $874,372 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI177660-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11101475 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of babesiosis, particularly those living in endemic areas or with a history of tick exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for babesiosis or those who have already been diagnosed and treated for the infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of vesicles produced by the Babesia parasite in its ability to infect humans and how these vesicles can be used to develop effective vaccines. The study examines the communication mechanisms between Babesia and the host's immune system, particularly how these vesicles modulate immune responses. By exploring the biology and virulence of Babesia, the research aims to uncover new strategies for preventing and treating babesiosis, a serious tick-borne illness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of a vaccine that protects against babesiosis, potentially saving lives and reducing the burden of this disease.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using similar approaches to understand and combat tick-borne diseases, indicating that this line of investigation could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ben Mamoun, Choukri — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Ben Mamoun, Choukri
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.