Finding ways to protect against severe malaria in children
Official title: Identifying the targets of protective immunity to severe falciparum malaria
Funded at Brown University · NIH-11049653 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system protects kids aged 0-11 from severe malaria, so researchers can create better vaccines to help keep them safe from this serious illness.
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 start | December 20, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $708,202 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI182253-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049653 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are at risk of severe malaria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or those who have already been vaccinated against malaria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to identify the specific targets of the immune response that provide protection against severe malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. By analyzing the antibodies from individuals who have naturally resisted severe malaria, the researchers will develop new vaccine candidates that work alongside existing vaccines. The study employs a novel screening method to pinpoint parasite antigens that trigger a protective immune response, focusing on children aged 0-11 years who are at higher risk for severe malaria. The ultimate goal is to enhance the effectiveness of malaria vaccines and reduce the incidence of severe cases in vulnerable populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective malaria vaccines, significantly reducing severe malaria cases in children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully identified protective antigens in malaria, indicating that this approach has potential for significant breakthroughs in vaccine development.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kurtis, Jonathan D. — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Kurtis, Jonathan D.
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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.