Antibodies that protect young children from malaria
Identifying functional antibody responses that protect against malaria in children
['FUNDING_R01'] · MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11141064
This project looks for specific antibody patterns that help protect young African children from severe, mild, or silent malaria.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (EAST LANSING, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11141064 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You or your child would give small blood samples so researchers can profile many antibody features, including antibody types, strength, sugar decorations, and how antibodies engage immune receptors. The team uses Systems Serology and machine learning to find patterns linked to protection from cerebral, uncomplicated, or asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infection. Children with cerebral malaria may also receive retinal exams and MRI scans to check for brain swelling and blood-vessel effects, and those results will be compared with children who have milder illness or no symptoms. The approach builds on earlier work that identified protective antibody features in pregnancy malaria.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 0–11 years living in malaria-endemic areas, including those with cerebral malaria, uncomplicated malaria, or asymptomatic parasitemia.
Not a fit: Children who do not live in malaria-endemic regions or who have no exposure to Plasmodium falciparum are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal antibody features to guide better vaccines or tests that protect young children from severe malaria.
How similar studies have performed: Similar Systems Serology work previously identified protective antibody features for placental malaria, showing promise, while applying it to childhood malaria is more recent.
Where this research is happening
EAST LANSING, UNITED STATES
- MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY — EAST LANSING, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SEYDEL, KARL BOYNTON — MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: SEYDEL, KARL BOYNTON
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.