Understanding how certain proteins help parasites invade host cells
Official title: Control of parasite invasion by a microneme protein complex conserved in Apicomplexans
Funded at Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res · NIH-10737623 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parasites, like those that cause malaria and toxoplasmosis, get into our cells, and it’s trying to find new ways to help treat these infections by understanding the proteins that help them invade.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2019 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $487,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI144369-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10737623 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals affected by malaria or cryptosporidiosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-parasitic infections or conditions unrelated to Apicomplexan parasites may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how Apicomplexan parasites, which cause diseases like malaria and toxoplasmosis, invade human and animal cells. It focuses on a specific protein complex that plays a crucial role in the invasion process by facilitating the release of other proteins necessary for the parasites to enter host cells. By studying these molecular interactions, the research aims to uncover new insights into the mechanisms of infection and potentially identify targets for new treatments. Patients may benefit from this research as it could lead to improved therapies for infections caused by these parasites.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new treatments for serious parasitic infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in targeting similar mechanisms in parasitic infections, indicating potential for breakthroughs in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lourido, Sebastian — Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res
- Study coordinator: Lourido, Sebastian
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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.