Understanding how gut immunity defends against Toxoplasma
Official title: Unravelling MyD88-dependent and independent mucosal immunity to Toxoplasma
Funded at University of New Mexico · NIH-11414928 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how the immune system in the intestinal lining fights a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, focusing on the MyD88 signaling pathways that help start and shape protection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | May 18, 2018 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $418,275 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI139628-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11414928 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with or at risk for Toxoplasma infection or related mucosal immune concerns; findings may inform future translational approaches for susceptible populations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without exposure risk or those not affected by intestinal infections may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will study how the gut’s immune cells respond to Toxoplasma gondii, looking at both MyD88-dependent and MyD88-independent routes. They will use mouse models to uncover which cells and signals are essential for initiating strong Th1 and IFN-γ–driven defenses in the intestine. The work also considers how gut bacteria influence these immune pathways and how these findings could inform strategies to protect immunocompromised people. This project aims to map where and how MyD88 signaling acts during intestinal infection and vaccination. The ultimate goal is to reveal targets that could boost mucosal immunity against this pathogen.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Results could identify new ways to enhance gut immunity against Toxoplasma, potentially reducing risk for immunocompromised patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show that disrupting MyD88 signaling alters gut immune responses, but the specifics of cell-type roles and microbiota interactions remain incompletely understood.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Denkers, Eric Y — University of New Mexico
- Study coordinator: Denkers, Eric Y
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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.