Creating antibodies to study mosquito immune responses to malaria
Official title: Epitope-directed monoclonal antibody production for mosquito immune cells (for malaria)
Funded at Luna Labs USA, LLC · NIH-10933280 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating special antibodies that can help scientists learn more about how mosquitoes fight off diseases like malaria, which could lead to better ways to control these diseases that affect people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Luna Labs USA, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $599,993 |
| NIH project number | 75N93023C00037-0-9999-1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933280 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in areas where malaria is prevalent and who may benefit from advancements in vector-borne disease management.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in malaria-endemic regions or those who are not affected by vector-borne diseases may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing monoclonal antibodies that can identify and characterize immune cells in mosquitoes. By targeting specific proteins in mosquito hemocytes, the project aims to understand how these insects respond to pathogens like malaria. The antibodies will be validated through various immunoassays and surface plasmon resonance techniques, which will help in studying the immune responses that mosquitoes have against diseases they transmit to humans. This work could provide valuable insights into vector-borne diseases and improve strategies for disease control.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and control of malaria and other diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using monoclonal antibodies for studying immune responses in various contexts, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable results.
Where this research is happening
-
Luna Labs USA, LLC
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yu, Yang — Luna Labs USA, LLC
- Study coordinator: Yu, Yang
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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.