Creating a new oral vaccine to prevent malaria
Development of an oral liver-targeted prime-and-trap malaria vaccine
This study is testing a new oral vaccine to help prevent malaria by training your immune system to fight the parasite in the liver, and it's designed to be easier to make and give to people, whether they live in areas where malaria is common or not.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10983318 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an innovative oral vaccine aimed at preventing malaria by targeting the liver stage of the Plasmodium parasite. The approach involves using a two-dose vaccination strategy that combines a DNA prime with an oral nanoparticle-based trapping vaccine to enhance the immune response, particularly by boosting liver-resident memory T cells. This method aims to provide durable protection against malaria, which is crucial for both endemic and non-endemic regions. The collaboration between the University of Washington and Johns Hopkins University seeks to create a vaccine that is easier to manufacture and administer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living in malaria-endemic regions or those at high risk of malaria infection.
Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk for malaria or those who have already been vaccinated against malaria may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to an effective malaria vaccine that is easier to distribute and administer, significantly reducing malaria infections worldwide.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise with similar vaccine strategies, particularly in early-phase clinical trials using attenuated sporozoites.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Murphy, Sean C — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Murphy, Sean C
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.