Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Arizona received a $711,256 Project Grant award from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) under the Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders (CFDA 93.853) program, effective June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2031. This research initiative investigates the mechanistic basis of how neurons counteract Toxoplasma gondii infection while mitigating immune pathology in the central nervous system (CNS). The project addresses a significant gap in understanding neuron-parasite interactions by building upon the investigative team's prior findings that neurons possess interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) dependent, cell-intrinsic anti-parasitic defenses and that the majority of neuronal T. gondii interactions do not result in persistent infection. The research will characterize the IFN-γ dependent anti-parasitic mechanisms neurons employ to control infection while maintaining CNS homeostasis.

This five-year research project contributes to NINDS's mission of reducing the burden of neurological disease across all populations by advancing fundamental knowledge of brain and nervous system function. The work will deliver peer-reviewed scientific findings and mechanistic insights into how neuronal defenses operate against intracellular parasitic infection, with potential implications for understanding both CNS infection outcomes and neuronal cell viability dynamics. The University of Arizona, a prominent public research institution and Hispanic Serving Institution, will conduct the research at its Tucson, Arizona facility.