Understanding how a parasite affects the placenta during pregnancy
Placental resistance and response to the teratogenic pathogen Toxoplasma gondii
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11075856
This study is looking at how a common parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, affects the placenta, which is important for a baby's growth, to help understand how the placenta protects the baby from infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11075856 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the parasite Toxoplasma gondii interacts with the placenta, which is crucial for fetal development. It focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular responses of placental cells when exposed to this pathogen. By studying the placental trophoblasts, which are the first line of defense between the mother and fetus, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could predict whether an infection will affect the developing fetus. The approach includes using genetically modified models to explore how these placental cells resist infection and respond to the parasite.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women who have been exposed to Toxoplasma gondii and are Toxoplasma-naïve.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those who have previously been infected with Toxoplasma gondii may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better predictions and interventions for preventing congenital infections in pregnant women.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding host-pathogen interactions in pregnancy, but this specific focus on Toxoplasma gondii and placental response is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BOYLE, JON P — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: BOYLE, JON P
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.