Understanding Intestinal Cryptosporidiosis
Molecular basis of intestinal cryptosporidiosis
This project explores how the body's immune system fights *Cryptosporidium* infection, a common cause of severe diarrhea in people with weakened immune systems and young children, to help find more effective treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rush University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11042181 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Cryptosporidiosis causes severe diarrhea, especially in people with AIDS and young children, and current treatments are not fully effective. This research looks at how the body's immune system, specifically Type I interferons, responds to this infection in the gut lining. Scientists are also exploring a virus that infects *Cryptosporidium* itself, called CSpV1, and how its presence might trigger the body's defenses. Understanding these immune responses and how the parasite interacts with the gut lining could lead to new ways to treat or prevent this challenging infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who suffer from severe or persistent cryptosporidiosis, particularly those with weakened immune systems like people with AIDS, or young children in developing countries, are the focus of this research.
Not a fit: Patients without cryptosporidiosis or those whose infections respond well to existing therapies may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new and more effective treatments for cryptosporidiosis, especially for vulnerable populations like those with AIDS or young children.
How similar studies have performed: This research builds on recent discoveries about the immune system's response to *Cryptosporidium* and explores novel molecular mechanisms that are not yet fully understood.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Rush University Medical Center — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Xian-Ming — Rush University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Chen, Xian-Ming
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 below.