Understanding how Leishmania parasites use lipids to survive and infect hosts
Official title: Phospholipid metabolism in Leishmania
Funded at Texas Tech University · NIH-10974778 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Leishmania parasites get the fats they need to survive while living in both sandflies and humans, and it hopes to find new ways to treat infections caused by these parasites.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Tech University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lubbock, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $498,722 |
| NIH project number | 2R15AI156746-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974778 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals infected with Leishmania or those at risk of infection, particularly in endemic regions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with Leishmania or do not have a risk of exposure to the parasite may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the lipid metabolism of Leishmania parasites, which alternate between different life stages in sandflies and mammals. By studying how these parasites acquire essential lipids from their mammalian hosts, the research aims to uncover new insights into the interactions between Leishmania and its hosts. The project focuses on the role of specific enzymes, such as ethanolamine-phosphate cytidylyltransferase (EPCT), in the survival and pathogenicity of these parasites. The findings could lead to the identification of novel drug targets to combat Leishmania infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new treatments for Leishmania infections, which currently lack effective vaccines and have limited treatment options.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding lipid metabolism in other parasitic infections, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Kai — Texas Tech University
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Kai
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.