Understanding how a parasite survives in brain cells
Official title: Translation initiation factors driving persistence of Toxoplasma gondii bradyzoites in neurons
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10984963 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii can hide in the brain and cause problems for people with weakened immune systems, and it aims to find new ways to stop this from happening by exploring how the parasite changes in human brain cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | December 8, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $556,583 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI172752-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984963 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with compromised immune systems who are at risk of reactivated toxoplasmosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are healthy and have a fully functioning immune system are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, which can remain dormant in the brain as bradyzoites, potentially leading to severe neurological issues in immunocompromised patients. The study aims to uncover the mechanisms that allow these parasites to persist in neurons, using a novel model developed from human brain cells. By examining how certain proteins are synthesized during the conversion to bradyzoites, the research seeks to identify new therapeutic targets to prevent these cysts from forming and causing reactivation of the infection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent the reactivation of Toxoplasma gondii infections in vulnerable patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting bradyzoite persistence is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding other latent infections.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sullivan, William J — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Sullivan, William J
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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.