Understanding how chronic Toxoplasma infections develop and persist
Official title: Development and maintenance of chronic toxoplasmosis
Funded at Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res · NIH-11042153 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii causes long-lasting infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems, by focusing on a key player called BFD1 that helps the parasite survive, so we can better understand its effects on health.
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 | March 17, 2021 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $607,619 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI158501-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042153 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic Toxoplasma gondii infections, particularly those who are immunocompromised or have experienced recurrent ocular issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Toxoplasma infections or are not at risk for reactivation of chronic infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind chronic infections caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that can lead to severe health issues, especially in immunocompromised individuals. The study focuses on a key regulator, BFD1, which plays a crucial role in the differentiation and maintenance of these chronic infections. By examining how BFD1 is controlled at the molecular level, the research aims to uncover new insights into the parasite's behavior and its impact on human health. The approach includes analyzing RNA structures and the effects of BFD1 depletion in laboratory settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments or preventive strategies for chronic Toxoplasma infections, improving outcomes for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the molecular mechanisms of Toxoplasma infections, but this specific focus on BFD1 is relatively novel.
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.