Understanding how brain immune cells respond to a common parasite in AIDS patients
Official title: Microglial immunity in Toxoplasmic encephalitis
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11190680 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special immune cells in the brain help protect people with HIV/AIDS from a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, with the goal of finding better ways to treat brain infections in these patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $227,018 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI189465-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11190680 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV/AIDS who are at risk for Toxoplasmic encephalitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV/AIDS or are not at risk for Toxoplasmic encephalitis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of microglia, the brain's resident immune cells, in defending against Toxoplasma gondii infection, particularly in individuals with HIV/AIDS. The study aims to understand how these cells respond to the parasite and contribute to the immune response during the progression of AIDS. By analyzing the behavior of microglia during infection, researchers hope to uncover new insights into the mechanisms of brain inflammation and immune defense. This could lead to better strategies for managing Toxoplasmic encephalitis in affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve treatment options and outcomes for patients with AIDS-related Toxoplasmic encephalitis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding immune responses in the brain can lead to significant advancements in treating opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lodoen, Melissa Bruckner — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Lodoen, Melissa Bruckner
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.