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Efficacy of targeting GAPM3 to block acute and chronic Toxoplasma gondii infections

Award Number: R01AI198553
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 06/24/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/31/2031

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Efficacy of targeting GAPM3 to block acute and chronic Toxoplasma gondii infections - PROJECT SUMMARY Toxoplasma gondii infects an estimated 25–30% of the human population and poses a major public health challenge, particularly in immunocompromised individuals and during pregnancy. Current treatments are limited by toxicity, incomplete efficacy, and an inability to eliminate chronic tissue cysts. There is a critical need for new therapeutics that target proteins essential to both acute (tachyzoite) and chronic (bradyzoite) life stages. Our research focuses on GAPM3, a structural membrane protein conserved across apicomplexans. Through in vitro studies, we found that GAPM3 is essential for tachyzoite replication and structural integrity—its loss leads to gliding motility defects, cellular collapse, and failure to complete the lytic cycle. Proteomic analysis revealed interactions between GAPM3 and key components of the cytoskeleton and motility machinery. In vivo single-cell RNA sequencing demonstrated that GAPM3 is also expressed in bradyzoites, suggesting its potential as a target across both clinically relevant stages. Building on these findings, this proposal aims to (1) evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of targeting GAPM3 in both acute and chronic infection models, (2) define the essential structural and regulatory domains of GAPM3, and (3) advance precision drug development strategies that exploit its unique and indispensable role in parasite biology. This work addresses a major unmet need by advancing a promising, parasite-specific target for the treatment and possible eradication of toxoplasmosis.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $463,290 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA	865 RESEARCH PKWY STE 560	OKLAHOMA CITY	OK	73104	OKLAHOMA	USA	Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research	000	1	6/25/2026	NEW	$463,290
														Subtotal = $463,290

Grand Total All Awards = $463,290

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Efficacy of targeting GAPM3 to block acute and chronic Toxoplasma gondii infections

Award Number: R01AI198553

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 06/24/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/31/2031

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