Researchers from the universities of Glasgow and Tel Aviv have found that the brain parasite Toxoplasma Gondii could be repurposed to treat neurological diseases. Known for its ability to cross biological barriers and enter neurons, the parasite was engineered by the team to deliver therapeutic proteins to specific brain cells. In lab tests, they successfully modified the parasite to produce and deliver the MeCP2 protein, a key target for treating Rett Syndrome, to brain cells in organoids and mice.
The study, published in Nature Microbiology, suggests this method could potentially address challenges in treating conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. However, the researchers caution that using a parasite for treatment comes with significant risks, and further development is needed before it can become a reality. Professor Lilach Sheiner from Glasgow calls this a “blue-sky project,” highlighting the innovative approach to overcoming the challenge of delivering treatments directly to the brain.
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