Understanding how the brain fights infections like Toxoplasma gondii
Official title: Caspase-8 mediated control of CNS infection
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10978952 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special protein in the brain helps fight off infections from a common parasite while keeping important brain cells safe, and it's aimed at understanding this process better to help people with similar infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $512,056 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS134747-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10978952 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with compromised immune systems or those at risk of CNS infections, particularly those related to Toxoplasma gondii.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections not related to Toxoplasma gondii or those without any CNS involvement may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain's immune system controls infections caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which affects a significant portion of the population. It focuses on the role of a protein called caspase-8, which is crucial for programmed cell death, in managing these infections while preserving vital brain cells. By studying mice with and without caspase-8, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that allow the brain to combat these pathogens effectively. The findings could lead to new insights into how the brain protects itself during infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for CNS infections, enhancing patient outcomes and brain health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding immune responses in the brain can lead to significant advancements in treating CNS infections, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harris, Tajie H. — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Harris, Tajie H.
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.