Understanding how a parasite changes its form in response to stress
Official title: Defining the shared transcriptional network underlying Toxoplasma extracellular stress and stage transition
Funded at Boston College · NIH-10922747 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Toxoplasma gondii parasite changes between being active and inactive, especially when the immune system is under stress, to find new ways to help treat infections in people with weakened immune systems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chestnut Hill, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $178,841 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI174592-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10922747 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those living with AIDS, undergoing cancer treatment, or organ transplant recipients.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with healthy immune systems or those not at risk for Toxoplasma infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the Toxoplasma gondii parasite transitions between its active and dormant stages, particularly in response to stress from the immune system. By examining the role of specific transcription factors that regulate this transformation, the study aims to identify potential new therapeutic strategies for treating infections that can reactivate in immunocompromised patients. The research utilizes advanced molecular biology techniques to analyze gene expression patterns in the parasite under different conditions. This could lead to better management of infections in patients with weakened immune systems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new treatments that prevent the reactivation of dormant Toxoplasma infections in vulnerable patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the stress responses of Toxoplasma gondii, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gubbels, Marc-Jan — Boston College
- Study coordinator: Gubbels, Marc-Jan
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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.