Understanding the immune response to tick-borne infections
Official title: At the site of the bite: Immune Response to tick-transmitted Rickettsiae
Funded at Tufts University Boston · NIH-11046055 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our immune system reacts to infections from certain tick-borne germs, using guinea pigs to mimic the disease, so we can learn more about how to better diagnose and treat people who get sick from these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $824,955 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI179924-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046055 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been bitten by ticks and are experiencing symptoms related to spotted fever rickettsiosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to ticks or do not exhibit symptoms of tick-borne diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the human immune system responds to infections caused by tick-transmitted Rickettsia species, specifically focusing on spotted fever rickettsiosis. Using guinea pigs as a model, the study aims to replicate the disease after tick bites, allowing researchers to collect blood samples over time to analyze immune responses. The approach includes examining different Rickettsia species that vary in their potential to cause severe illness in humans, which could lead to better diagnostic and treatment strategies for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of tick-borne diseases and improve diagnosis and treatment options for patients suffering from these infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using animal models to study tick-borne diseases has shown promise, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Varela-Stokes, Andrea Soares — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Varela-Stokes, Andrea Soares
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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.