Understanding how Toxoplasma survives in human cells
Official title: Restriction of Toxoplasma growth in human cells
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10984987 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, which can cause illness, survives in our bodies and how our immune system tries to fight it off, with the hope of finding better treatments for people who are at risk of getting really sick from it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | November 13, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $596,966 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI173803-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984987 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are immunocompromised or those who may be at risk for severe toxoplasmosis, such as pregnant women or individuals with HIV/AIDS.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for toxoplasmosis or those with a fully functioning immune system may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the Toxoplasma gondii parasite survives and grows within human cells, particularly focusing on the immune responses triggered by cytokines like TNFα. The study aims to uncover the mechanisms by which human immune cells can detect and eliminate Toxoplasma, as well as how the parasite evades these defenses. By using primary human cells in laboratory settings, researchers will explore the interactions between the parasite and the immune system, which could lead to new treatments for those at risk of severe toxoplasmosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted therapies that reduce the health impacts of toxoplasmosis in vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses to Toxoplasma in animal models, but this specific approach in human cells is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saeij, Jeroen — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Saeij, Jeroen
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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.