How a special memory immune cell may protect the liver from malaria
Role of cytolytic ZEB2+ memory CD4+ T cells in protection against liver stage malaria
['FUNDING_R21'] · ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · NIH-11258971
This project looks at whether a type of memory immune cell called ZEB2+ CD4+ T cells helps protect people from the liver stage of malaria.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BRONX, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11258971 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would be asked to give a blood sample and basic health information if you live in a malaria-endemic area. Researchers will compare samples from people who resist severe malaria with those who get sick using advanced single-cell sequencing and high-dimensional flow cytometry to identify ZEB2+ memory CD4+ T cells with killing features. They will map the gene activity and antigen responses of these cells to see how they react to liver-stage malaria proteins. The goal is to use those findings to guide vaccine designs that trigger similar protective immune cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people living in malaria-endemic regions (for example Malawi), including children and adults with prior Plasmodium falciparum exposure who can provide blood samples and clinical information.
Not a fit: People living outside malaria-endemic areas or without prior malaria exposure are unlikely to directly benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify immune targets to help make future malaria vaccines more protective.
How similar studies have performed: Previous vaccine studies showed some antibody responses but the discovery and detailed functional study of these ZEB2+ cytolytic CD4+ T cells is relatively new and not yet translated into a proven vaccine approach.
Where this research is happening
BRONX, UNITED STATES
- ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE — BRONX, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LAUVAU, GREGOIRE STEPHANE — ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: LAUVAU, GREGOIRE STEPHANE
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.