Project Details
Description
Ocular toxoplasmosis is one of the leading causes of posterior uveitis worldwide and the most common clinical presentation of Toxoplasma gondii infection. Its clinical course is characterized by an active phase followed by resolution, but with a high frequency of recurrences, which contribute significantly to the patient's visual impairment. Although the immune system plays a key role in containing the parasite, the immunological mechanisms that explain recurrences are not fully understood. In particular, the memory T-cell response, which is crucial for long-term immunity, may be altered in these patients.
This project aims to characterize the immunophenotypic profile of memory T cells in patients with recurrent ocular toxoplasmosis using multiparametric flow cytometry. Specific markers associated with CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte subpopulations will be studied, with an emphasis on central memory (TCM), effector memory (TEM), and terminal effector memory (TEMRA) phenotypes. The cohort will include patients with recurrent ocular toxoplasmosis, patients with a single episode, and healthy controls.
Immunophenotypic differences between the groups are expected to be identified, which could provide evidence of possible mechanisms of immune susceptibility to recurrence. The results of this study may contribute to the development of new therapeutic or clinical follow-up strategies based on the patient's immune profile, thereby improving the visual prognosis and quality of life of those suffering from this disease.
This project aims to characterize the immunophenotypic profile of memory T cells in patients with recurrent ocular toxoplasmosis using multiparametric flow cytometry. Specific markers associated with CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte subpopulations will be studied, with an emphasis on central memory (TCM), effector memory (TEM), and terminal effector memory (TEMRA) phenotypes. The cohort will include patients with recurrent ocular toxoplasmosis, patients with a single episode, and healthy controls.
Immunophenotypic differences between the groups are expected to be identified, which could provide evidence of possible mechanisms of immune susceptibility to recurrence. The results of this study may contribute to the development of new therapeutic or clinical follow-up strategies based on the patient's immune profile, thereby improving the visual prognosis and quality of life of those suffering from this disease.
Keywords
Ocular toxoplasmosis; uveitis; cytometry
Commitments / Obligations
- Scientific article, to be submitted to an international journal indexed in the Q1 quartile in the field of immunology or infectious diseases.
- Oral presentations and scientific posters at national and international conferences.
- Student outreach through seminars organized by the Semineuros, OIG UR, and Universidad del Quindío research groups.
- Oral presentations and scientific posters at national and international conferences.
- Student outreach through seminars organized by the Semineuros, OIG UR, and Universidad del Quindío research groups.
| Status | Active |
|---|---|
| Effective start/end date | 4/16/25 → 4/15/26 |
UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This project contributes towards the following SDG(s):
Main Funding Source
- Installed Capacity (Academic Unit)
Location
- South America
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