New treatments for parasitic worm infections using natural proteins
B. thuringiensis crystal proteins as powerful next-generation anthelmintics
This work explores new protein-based medicines to help people suffering from common parasitic worm infections like hookworms, whipworms, and roundworms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11170658 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people worldwide are affected by parasitic worm infections, and current treatments are not always effective or have limitations. This project focuses on developing new medicines from special proteins found in a natural bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis, which have been safely used for a long time to control insect pests. These proteins have shown promise in targeting and eliminating parasitic worms in animals, including those that affect humans. The goal is to create an easy-to-produce, affordable, and safe form of these proteins that can eventually be tested in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is ultimately aimed at individuals, including children and adults, who suffer from gastrointestinal nematode infections such as hookworms, whipworms, and roundworms.
Not a fit: Patients without parasitic gastrointestinal nematode infections would not directly benefit from this specific treatment approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a new, effective, and affordable treatment option for widespread parasitic worm infections, especially in children and pregnant women.
How similar studies have performed: Pioneering work has already shown that some of these natural proteins are effective against parasitic worms in various animal models, indicating a promising foundation for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Worcester, United States
- Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester — Worcester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aroian, Raffi V — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Aroian, Raffi V
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.