Understanding how tetanus toxin affects the nervous system
Official title: Molecular mechanism of tetanus neurotoxin pathogenesis
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11104173 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how the tetanus toxin causes paralysis by figuring out how it connects to nerve cells and affects their function, which could help us learn more about tetanus and find better ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 2, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $808,216 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI189789-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11104173 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced deep puncture wounds or are at risk of tetanus infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to tetanus or do not have a history of deep wounds may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms by which the tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT) causes paralysis. It focuses on how TeNT binds to host factors and enters the spinal cord, disrupting normal nerve function. The study employs advanced techniques, including X-ray crystallography and genetically modified mouse models, to explore the interactions between the toxin and nerve cells. By understanding these processes, the research aims to uncover new insights into tetanus pathogenesis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments or preventive strategies for tetanus and related neurological conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully identified mechanisms of action for other bacterial toxins, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dong, Min — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Dong, Min
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Targeting the brain’s fluid system to treat post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus
This grant explores a new approach to treating post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus by studying how the brain’s fluid system and immune cells manage CSF after a brain bleed.
-
National Spina Bifida Patient Registry at Boston Children’s Hospital
A patient-focused registry project at Boston Children’s Hospital will collect and study information from people with spina bifida to improve care and outcomes.
-
Severe Chronic Neutropenia Registry for Patients
A patient-facing registry that tracks severe chronic low neutrophil counts to improve understanding and care for people with this condition.
-
Severe Chronic Neutropenia Registry to Improve Care
A patient-focused registry gathers information from adults with severe chronic neutropenia to better understand infections, treatments, and outcomes over time.
-
Severe Chronic Neutropenia Registry: Finding Better Ways to Prevent Infections
A patient-focused registry at a leading hospital helps people with severe chronic neutropenia learn how the condition progresses and how treatments work over time.
-
Exploring epilepsy genes in zebrafish to understand human brain seizures
A study in zebrafish will model human epilepsy genes to help explain how certain brain mutations contribute to seizures.
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.