Understanding how parasitic nematodes sense and invade hosts
Official title: Mechanosensory Behaviors of Skin-Penetrating Parasitic Nematodes
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10993650 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain tiny worms that can infect humans sense movement, like vibrations from our bodies, to help them find and attach to us, with the hope of discovering new ways to prevent these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $78,892 |
| NIH project number | 5F32AI174816-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993650 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in areas where skin-penetrating parasitic nematodes are prevalent, particularly those at risk of infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of infection from skin-penetrating parasitic nematodes or who do not reside in endemic regions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the behaviors of skin-penetrating parasitic nematodes, particularly focusing on how they sense mechanical stimuli to locate and invade host organisms. The study will explore the response of these nematodes to vibrations that mimic human movement, which may enhance their chances of attaching to a host. By analyzing their behavioral patterns and the underlying sensory pathways, the research aims to fill critical gaps in our understanding of these parasites. The findings could lead to new strategies for controlling infections caused by these nematodes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and preventive measures for infections caused by parasitic nematodes, benefiting millions of affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanosensory behaviors of these nematodes have not been extensively studied, similar research on other parasitic organisms has shown promising results in understanding host interactions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patel, Ruhi — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Patel, Ruhi
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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.