Developing a model to study the complete life cycle of malaria parasites
Official title: Complete Plasmodium falciparum infection cycle model
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10735896 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to create a new way to understand how malaria spreads between people and mosquitoes, using special mice that mimic human responses, so that researchers can find better ways to control and prevent malaria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | November 7, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $245,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI168873-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10735896 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals at risk of malaria infection, particularly in endemic regions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of malaria or those who have already been treated for malaria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create a comprehensive model that simulates the entire infection cycle of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, which is crucial for understanding how the parasite spreads between humans and mosquitoes. By utilizing a humanized mouse model, the researchers will investigate how different malaria vector species and parasite strains interact during transmission. This approach seeks to overcome current limitations in studying malaria transmission dynamics, which often rely on less effective laboratory models. The goal is to establish a standardized and accessible model that can facilitate the development of new malaria control strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective malaria control strategies and treatments, ultimately reducing the burden of malaria on affected populations.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in developing animal models for studying malaria, but this specific approach to creating a complete human infection cycle model is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dimopoulos, George — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Dimopoulos, George
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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.