Understanding how temperature affects parasitic worms that infect humans
Official title: Dissecting the thermosensory biology of soil-transmitted parasitic nematodes
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10947143 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parasites that can infect people use temperature to find their hosts, with the hope of discovering new ways to treat these infections that affect over a billion people worldwide.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $455,140 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2AI184544-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10947143 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are infected with soil-transmitted parasitic nematodes or are at high risk of such infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with soil-transmitted parasitic nematodes or do not have a history of exposure to these parasites may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biology of soil-transmitted parasitic nematodes, which are responsible for infections in over a billion people worldwide. The study focuses on how these parasites use temperature cues to locate and infect their hosts, aiming to uncover the physiological and sensory adaptations that facilitate this process. By utilizing a model organism, Strongyloides stercoralis, the research combines techniques from parasitology, neuroscience, genetics, and molecular biology to explore these adaptations. The ultimate goal is to identify potential new therapeutic targets for treating infections caused by these parasites.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of novel treatments for infections caused by parasitic nematodes, improving health outcomes for affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have shown success in understanding parasitic behaviors and developing treatments through similar biological investigations.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bryant, Astra Shamgar — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Bryant, Astra Shamgar
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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.