Finding parasite proteins that protect young children from severe malaria
Identifying the targets of protective immunity to severe falciparum malaria
This project looks for malaria parasite proteins that trigger protective antibodies in infants and young children to help prevent severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11250059 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project compares blood samples from children who were protected from severe malaria with those who became very sick to find parasite proteins targeted by protective antibodies. Scientists use a whole-proteome differential screening method to pinpoint the proteins that resistant children’s antibodies recognize, then test whether those proteins block parasites from leaving infected red blood cells. The team has already identified promising targets such as PfSEA-1 and PfGARP and will develop additional candidates as blood-stage vaccine components to complement existing liver-stage vaccines. Work combines laboratory testing, analysis of patient samples, and early vaccine development steps rather than providing direct treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be infants and young children in malaria-endemic areas (or their caregivers) who can donate blood samples or enroll in future vaccine trials.
Not a fit: People living in non-endemic areas or adults not at risk of severe falciparum malaria are unlikely to get direct short-term benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new blood-stage vaccines that better protect infants and young children from life-threatening malaria.
How similar studies have performed: Related methods have already identified PfSEA-1 and PfGARP as antibody targets associated with protection in children, showing promise for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Providence, United States
- Brown University — Providence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kurtis, Jonathan D. — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Kurtis, Jonathan D.
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.