Creating a new vaccine to prevent malaria infection in the liver
Official title: Development of novel malaria pre-erythrocytic vaccine antigens targeting Plasmodium sporozoite liver infection
Funded at Mercer University Macon · NIH-10759432 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new malaria vaccine that uses special proteins from the malaria parasite to help your body fight off the infection better, aiming to give you stronger protection against malaria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mercer University Macon NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Macon, United States) |
| Project start | January 4, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $176,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI166451-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10759432 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of malaria infection, particularly those living in endemic areas.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of malaria or those who have already been vaccinated with existing malaria vaccines may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel vaccine targeting the malaria-causing Plasmodium sporozoite's ability to infect liver cells. The team has previously identified specific proteins that the sporozoite uses to interact with liver cells and is now working to create a vaccine that includes these proteins as antigens. By immunizing with these antigens, the goal is to enhance the immune response and provide better protection against malaria. The research involves identifying key protein epitopes and combining them into a tri-functional vaccine to improve efficacy compared to existing vaccines.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective malaria vaccine, significantly reducing the risk of malaria infection in individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing malaria vaccines using similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
Mercer University Macon
Macon, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cha, Sung-Jae — Mercer University Macon
- Study coordinator: Cha, Sung-Jae
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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.