Understanding how brain cells respond to Toxoplasma infection
Official title: Interrogating the role of reactive astrocytes during Toxoplasma-induced brain inflammation
Funded at University of California Riverside · NIH-11042234 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells called reactive astrocytes behave during infections from the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, to learn how they help the brain fight off infections and stay healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Riverside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $540,293 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS137603-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042234 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with compromised immune systems who may be at risk for Toxoplasma infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with healthy immune systems and no history of Toxoplasma infection are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of reactive astrocytes, a type of brain cell, during infections caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. It aims to understand how these cells change their behavior in response to inflammation and how they help regulate the immune response in the brain. By using a special mouse model, researchers will track and manipulate these astrocytes to uncover their diverse functions and contributions to brain health during chronic infections. This could lead to new insights into how the brain protects itself from infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for brain infections and better understanding of immune responses in the brain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the role of immune cells in the brain can lead to significant advancements in treating neurological conditions, suggesting this approach has potential.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Riverside
Riverside, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilson, Emma H — University of California Riverside
- Study coordinator: Wilson, Emma H
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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.