This Project Grant award from the National Eye Institute (NEI) under the Vision Research program (CFDA 93.867) supports research into a novel treatment for Acanthamoeba keratitis, a serious eye infection that can lead to vision loss and blindness. The primary awardee, Clemson University Division of Research, will evaluate the efficacy of the peptide thymosin beta-4 (TB4) as a potential therapeutic for Acanthamoeba keratitis. The $204,875 award will fund in vitro studies to determine TB4's inhibitory effects on the parasite and its impact on host cell responses, as well as ex vivo testing using porcine corneal buttons and a 3D human corneal tissue model. Clemson University is collaborating with Purdue University, which is providing phenotypic data on TB4's effects against the Acanthamoeba parasite in porcine corneas through a $22,057 subaward. The project aims to establish proof-of-principle for further development of topical TB4 as a novel treatment for this sight-threatening infection.