Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) awarded the University of California, Los Angeles a $157,500 Project Grant under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855) for the period April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2028. The research project, titled "Structure and Ligand Binding of Receptor Adenylate Cyclase from Trypanosoma brucei," focuses on elucidating the structural mechanisms and ligand binding properties of adenylate cyclase proteins in the parasitic organism responsible for African trypanosomiasis. The research addresses a critical knowledge gap regarding signal transduction pathways in T. brucei, with the goal of identifying species-specific drug targets that could lead to novel therapeutic interventions against this vector-borne disease.

The project delivers basic and translational research outputs examining cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) signaling systems in the T. brucei flagellum, which controls critical aspects of parasite transmission, survival, and pathogenesis. By characterizing receptor-type adenylate cyclases as transmembrane signaling proteins, the research contributes to understanding how the parasite senses and responds to environmental signals across diverse vector and host environments. This investigator-initiated research generates scientific knowledge and methodological advances intended to advance understanding of infectious disease mechanisms and support future drug development efforts targeting African trypanosomiasis.