Understanding how Cryptosporidium grows and develops
Molecular signaling mechanisms controlling Cryptosporidium proliferation and development
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN · NIH-11012799
This study is looking at how a parasite called Cryptosporidium grows and develops, which causes serious diarrhea in young kids, to help find new treatments and vaccines that could protect them and others who are more vulnerable.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAMPAIGN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11012799 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the biological mechanisms that control the growth and development of Cryptosporidium, a parasite responsible for severe diarrhea in young children. By using genetically modified parasites in a mouse model, the researchers aim to uncover the molecular signaling pathways that regulate the parasite's life cycle. This approach could lead to the development of new treatments and vaccines for cryptosporidiosis, particularly for vulnerable populations such as young children and immunocompromised individuals. The study addresses a critical gap in our understanding of the parasite's biology, which has hindered progress in finding effective therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are young children, especially those living in resource-poor settings or with compromised immune systems.
Not a fit: Patients who are adults or those without any risk factors for cryptosporidiosis may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of effective drugs and vaccines to prevent and treat cryptosporidiosis in children.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been limited success in similar research, this approach using genetically modified parasites represents a novel strategy in understanding and combating cryptosporidiosis.
Where this research is happening
CHAMPAIGN, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN — CHAMPAIGN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ALAM, SUMITI VINAYAK — UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
- Study coordinator: ALAM, SUMITI VINAYAK
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 below.