Thymosin Beta‑4 for Acanthamoeba keratitis
Thymosin Beta-4: A novel treatment for Acanthamoeba keratitis
This project tests whether Thymosin β4 can help treat Acanthamoeba keratitis, an often contact-lens–related eye infection that can threaten vision.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clemson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Clemson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249189 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use lab-grown 3D corneal cell models and cultures of Acanthamoeba castellanii to see how Thymosin β4 affects both the parasite and the cornea. They will measure parasite survival in active amoebae and resistant cysts, corneal cell death, protease activity, and inflammatory signals. The team will test whether Thymosin β4 reduces tissue damage and inflammation while being safe for corneal cells. Promising results would support follow-up animal or human studies toward a new treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with current or recent Acanthamoeba keratitis—especially contact lens users with corneal infection—would be the eventual candidates for treatments developed from this work.
Not a fit: Patients without Acanthamoeba infection or those with irreversible, late-stage corneal damage already requiring transplant may not benefit directly from this early-stage work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to a therapy that both limits the parasite and protects the cornea, reducing vision loss and the need for corneal transplants.
How similar studies have performed: Thymosin β4 has shown benefits for corneal healing and reduced inflammation in other eye conditions, but applying it specifically to Acanthamoeba infections is a new approach.
Where this research is happening
Clemson, United States
- Clemson University — Clemson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Temesvari, Lesly a — Clemson University
- Study coordinator: Temesvari, Lesly a
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.