Understanding how a protein helps a parasite evade the immune system in sleeping sickness.
Official title: Essential functions of Trypanosoma brucei RAP1
Funded at Cleveland State University · NIH-10995333 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called RAP1 in the parasite that causes African sleeping sickness to understand how it helps the parasite hide from the immune system, which could lead to new ways to treat the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | December 6, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $431,704 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI179972-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995333 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with African sleeping sickness or those at risk of infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of trypanosomiasis or unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called RAP1 in the parasite Trypanosoma brucei, which causes African sleeping sickness. The study focuses on how RAP1 helps the parasite maintain its survival by controlling the expression of its surface proteins, allowing it to evade the host's immune response. By examining how RAP1 interacts with DNA and other proteins at the telomeres of the parasite's chromosomes, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that enable the parasite to persist in the body. This could lead to new insights into potential treatments for the disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating African sleeping sickness by targeting the mechanisms that allow the parasite to evade the immune system.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in targeting similar mechanisms of immune evasion in parasites, suggesting that this approach could be promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Bibo — Cleveland State University
- Study coordinator: Li, Bibo
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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.