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Cat Parasites Unlock Potential for Drug Delivery to the Brain

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image created by Steve Burgess with chatGPT 4o

image created by Steve Burgess with chatGPT 4o

Meowdicine

Cat parasites could be the key to crossing our blood-brain barrier (BBB). Toxoplasma gondii naturally nestles in brains en route to…cat poop.

  • T. gondii = brain parasite that only reproduces in cats

  • Influences hosts, including humans, through neuronal proteins

  • Engineered versions can deliver targeted drugs

Leveraging T. gondii to cross our BBB is a major step towards treating neurological conditions. Further research will optimize drug delivery and broaden treatment application. Purrrfect!

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