The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) awarded a $214,742 Project Grant (CFDA 93.855 - Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research) to Texas A&M University to identify and characterize Toxoplasma gondii proteins that enable the parasite to cross the placental barrier and cause congenital infection. The research team will use innovative in vitro placental barrier models and pregnant guinea pig studies to test the role of a specific T. gondii protein, TgMIF, in facilitating the parasite's ability to cross the trophoblast barrier. They will also conduct a CRISPR/Cas9 screen to identify additional parasite proteins that interact with the host cell protein ICAM-1 to enhance placental barrier crossing. The goal is to establish a scientific basis for developing therapies to prevent fetal Toxoplasma infection. The award period runs from February 1, 2025 to January 31, 2027.
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