Reactive astrocytes in Toxoplasma brain infection
Interrogating the role of reactive astrocytes during Toxoplasma-induced brain inflammation
Researchers are looking at how certain brain support cells called astrocytes change during lifelong Toxoplasma infection to learn whether they help protect the brain or cause harm.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Riverside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11295372 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on lifelong Toxoplasma infection in the brain and what happens to astrocytes, the support cells that can become 'reactive' during inflammation. Scientists use a new genetically modified mouse that lets them label, follow, and selectively manipulate these reactive astrocytes over time. They will map different reactive astrocyte types, watch how those cells interact with immune cells and the parasite, and test how changing astrocyte activity affects parasite levels, inflammation, and brain signaling. The goal is to find which astrocyte behaviors protect the brain and which contribute to damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic Toxoplasma infection or those with Toxoplasma-related neurological symptoms, especially immunocompromised patients, would be the most relevant patient group for future related studies.
Not a fit: People without Toxoplasma exposure or whose health issues are unrelated to brain infection are unlikely to see direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to cellular targets to reduce brain inflammation or prevent damage from chronic Toxoplasma infection, guiding future treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies show astrocytes influence control of Toxoplasma and inflammation, but selectively tracking and manipulating reactive astrocyte subtypes in this context is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Riverside, United States
- University of California Riverside — Riverside, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilson, Emma H — University of California Riverside
- Study coordinator: Wilson, Emma H
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.