New drug target for toxoplasmosis and a selective inhibitor
Official title: Identification of a new drug target, sarco-endoplasmic reticulum calcium-ATPase, for the treatment of Toxoplasma gondii infections and development of a selective inhibitor.
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11453959 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new drug target in Toxoplasma gondii is being explored, with an aim to create a selective inhibitor to treat toxoplasmosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $189,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI196143-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11453959 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with or at risk for toxoplasmosis, including those with immune compromise or pregnant individuals where infection risk is relevant.
✕Less likely to help
People without toxoplasmosis or exposure risk may not benefit from this target-specific approach.
What this research studies
This project focuses on a parasite that can cause serious eye disease, birth defects, and brain infections. Researchers have identified a potential target, TgSERCA, a calcium pump essential for the parasite’s life cycle, and a compound that acts against T. gondii in the lab. The plan is to develop a selective inhibitor that disrupts the parasite without harming the human host. Results could lead to safer, more effective therapies with fewer side effects than current medications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could yield a new, more effective treatment for toxoplasmosis with fewer toxic side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows TgSERCA is a promising target, with a selective inhibitor potentially able to disrupt parasite processes.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alday, Phil Holland — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Alday, Phil Holland
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.