# BIOLOGY OF TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS CYTADHERENCE

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER · 1993 · $226,212

## Abstract

The long-term objective of our studies is to understand the ability of
the pathogenetic human trichomonads to parasitize host cells and tissues
in order to increase our knowledge of the chronic nature and
pathobiochemistry of trichomoniasis.  Our current research proposal is
aimed at dissecting the nature of the highly specific recognition events
between Trichomonas vaginalis and vaginal epithelial cells and basement
membranes.  This area of research is highly relevant as the ability to
attach to host cells and tissues is the key to urogenital infection and
pathogenesis.  It is likely at this work will result in identification
of adhesin-peptide virulence factors.  The specific parasite molecules
then are a basis for immunologic or pharmacologic disease intervention
strategies.

The research will be divided into four separate but related areas.  Part
I of our grant is aimed toward isolation and characterization of
trichomonad surface proteins which are responsible for the
receptor-ligand parasitism of epithelial cells.  Part II builds upon our
knowledge of T. vaginalis-host cell interactions and involves
ascertaining the biological significance conferred upon T. vaginalis by
selective recognition of extracellular matrix fibronectin.  In Part III
we propose to generate nospecific and monoclonal antibodies to the host
epithelial cell- and fibronectin-binding proteins of T. vaginalis.
These antibodies will be used for determining the specificity and
structure-function properties of the interactions between host and
parasite.  Finally, antibodies will be used to screen established and
future cDNA libraries as presented in Part IV.  Recombinant genes and
proteins will be important for further dissecting of the parasite-host
recognition systems at the molecular level. This research utilizes
cellular and molecular biological, biochemical, and immunological
techniques and approaches to address an important aspect of the T.
vaginalis: host relationship.  It is likely that results from these
studies will be useful for other pathogenic protozoan model systems
where cytadherence is key to establishment and maintenance of infection.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3128192
- **Project number:** 5R01AI018768-09
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER
- **SAM.gov UEI:** C3KXNLTAAY98
- **Principal Investigator:** John F Alderete
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1993
- **Award amount:** $226,212
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1982-04-01 → 1995-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3128192

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3128192, BIOLOGY OF TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS CYTADHERENCE (5R01AI018768-09). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3128192. Licensed CC0.

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