Toxoplasma's conoid: how the parasite's invasion machinery is built and works
Structure and Function of the Conoid in Toxoplasma
Researchers are mapping the parts and 3D shape of a tiny structure Toxoplasma uses to enter and infect cells to help guide future treatments for infections it causes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11257286 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, scientists are taking apart and mapping the tiny conoid structure that Toxoplasma uses to invade host cells. They will identify the proteins that make up the conoid, determine their positions, and build 3D pictures of the structure using high-resolution imaging and biochemical methods. The team will compare these components across related parasites to find common, vulnerable parts. This lab-based work aims to reveal targets that drug developers could one day use to block parasite invasion.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The work does not enroll patients, but it is most relevant to people affected by Toxoplasma infections (for example congenital or ocular toxoplasmosis) and those at risk of exposure.
Not a fit: People with unrelated conditions or those seeking an immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could reveal specific parasite components that become targets for new drugs or vaccines against toxoplasmosis and related apicomplexan infections.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have characterized a few conoid proteins and produced some structural images, but creating a near-complete protein map and high-resolution 3D architecture of the conoid remains largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Rui — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Rui
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.