Developing a malaria vaccine using a new protein platform
Official title: Epitope-Based CSP Vaccines Optimized to Achieve Long-Term Sterile Immunity
Funded at Vaccine Research Institute of San Diego · NIH-10911794 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new malaria vaccine that aims to boost your immune system's ability to fight off the malaria parasite, with the hope of providing better protection and lasting immunity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vaccine Research Institute of San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | August 23, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $688,369 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI175705-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10911794 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in malaria-endemic regions who are at risk of malaria infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of malaria or who live in non-endemic regions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a vaccine for malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. It utilizes a novel vaccine platform derived from a non-human pathogen to enhance the immune response against the malaria parasite's circumsporozoite protein. By isolating and characterizing protective human monoclonal antibodies, the researchers aim to improve vaccine efficacy and provide long-term immunity. The approach includes using hybrid virus-like particles to deliver protective epitopes, which could lead to a more effective and cost-efficient vaccine.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a highly effective malaria vaccine that provides long-lasting immunity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing malaria vaccines using similar approaches, but this specific method is innovative and largely untested.
Where this research is happening
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Vaccine Research Institute of San Diego
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Milich, David R. — Vaccine Research Institute of San Diego
- Study coordinator: Milich, David R.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Long-lasting malaria vaccine targeting the circumsporozoite protein
A new low-cost vaccine aims to teach the immune system to make strong antibodies against the malaria parasite's surface protein to protect people at risk of Plasmodium falciparum.
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.