Understanding how parasitic worms find and invade hosts
Official title: Behavioral and neural mechanisms of chemosensation in skin-penetrating parasitic nematodes
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11070690 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain tiny worms that can infect people find and enter their hosts by using smells in the environment, with the goal of helping to create better ways to prevent and treat infections for those who are most at risk.
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 | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $44,731 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DC022520-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070690 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals, particularly children under 11 years old, who are at risk of or currently infected with skin-penetrating nematodes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by skin-penetrating nematodes or who are outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the behavioral and neural mechanisms that allow skin-penetrating parasitic nematodes, such as Strongyloides stercoralis, to locate and invade human hosts. By studying how these parasites respond to environmental cues, particularly odors associated with potential hosts, the research aims to uncover the underlying processes that facilitate infection. This could lead to the development of new prevention and treatment strategies for the millions affected by these parasites, especially in vulnerable populations. The research employs a combination of behavioral assays and neural analysis to understand these mechanisms in detail.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative strategies for preventing and treating infections caused by parasitic nematodes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the behaviors of similar parasitic organisms, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gonzalez Akimori, Damia — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Gonzalez Akimori, Damia
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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.