Understanding heart inflammation and fibrosis caused by Chagas disease.
Official title: Mechanisms of myocarditis and progressive cardiac fibrosis in chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection.
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11041072 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a long-term infection with a parasite can cause heart problems in people with Chronic Chagasic Cardiomyopathy, and it aims to find better treatments, including a new type of therapy that helps boost the immune system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | March 18, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $753,094 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI168038-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11041072 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Chagas disease who are experiencing chronic cardiac symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of Chagas disease or those who do not exhibit cardiac symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how chronic infection with the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi leads to heart inflammation and progressive fibrosis, resulting in a condition known as Chronic Chagasic Cardiomyopathy (CCC). The study aims to identify the underlying mechanisms of inflammation and fibrosis in affected patients, as well as to explore new therapeutic strategies, including an immunotherapy that combines a specific antigen from the parasite with an adjuvant to enhance immune response. By analyzing the immune responses and disease markers in patients, the research seeks to develop more effective treatments for CCC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for patients suffering from Chagas disease and its associated cardiac complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar immunotherapy approaches in other fibrotic conditions, indicating potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jones, Kathryn Marie — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Jones, Kathryn Marie
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Why Chagas disease causes heart inflammation and scarring
An immune-based therapy made from a Trypanosoma cruzi protein plus an immune-stimulating adjuvant, sometimes given with benznidazole, aims to reduce heart inflammation and scarring in people with chronic Chagas disease.
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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.