Understanding how Toxoplasma gondii infects the placenta
Official title: Determining the mechanisms of Toxoplasma gondii colonization and crossing of the placental barrier
Funded at Texas A&m University · NIH-11140151 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Toxoplasma gondii parasite can get through the placenta and potentially infect unborn babies, using guinea pig placentas and lab-created human placentas to find out which proteins help the parasite do this and how a specific protein in the body plays a role, all to better understand congenital infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $214,742 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI185518-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11140151 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals or those planning to become pregnant, particularly those at risk of Toxoplasma gondii infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or do not plan to become pregnant may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the parasite Toxoplasma gondii crosses the placental barrier and causes infections in fetuses. The team will use innovative techniques, including studying guinea pig placentas that are similar to human placentas and creating a human placental barrier in the lab. They aim to identify specific proteins from the parasite that facilitate this crossing and to understand the role of a host protein called ICAM-1 in this process. By exploring these mechanisms, the research seeks to fill a critical gap in knowledge about congenital infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention of congenital infections caused by Toxoplasma gondii, potentially reducing fetal illness and mortality.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is innovative, previous studies have shown success in understanding other congenital infections, suggesting potential for meaningful findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sangare, Lamba Omar — Texas A&m University
- Study coordinator: Sangare, Lamba Omar
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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.