Understanding how Toxoplasma gondii maintains chronic infection
Official title: Investigating differentiation, maintenance, and reactivation of the Toxoplasma chronic stage
Funded at Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res · NIH-11034054 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a common parasite called Toxoplasma gondii stays in the body for a long time and how two important proteins help it do that, with the hope of finding new ways to help people, especially those with weak immune systems, avoid serious health issues from this infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $78,892 |
| NIH project number | 5F32AI181510-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11034054 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 severe complications from Toxoplasma gondii infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are immunocompetent and do not have chronic Toxoplasma infections are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the Toxoplasma gondii parasite maintains its chronic infection stage, which affects a significant portion of the global population. The study focuses on two key proteins, BFD1 and BFD2, that play crucial roles in the differentiation of the parasite from its acute to chronic forms. By examining how these proteins interact and regulate each other, the research aims to uncover potential targets for new treatments that could prevent or eliminate chronic infections. This work is particularly relevant for patients with weakened immune systems who are at risk for severe complications from this parasite.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating chronic Toxoplasma infections, particularly in vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the biology of Toxoplasma gondii, but this specific approach to targeting chronic infection mechanisms is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Licon, Meredith Haley — Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res
- Study coordinator: Licon, Meredith Haley
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.