How CD4 T cells help children develop tolerance to repeated malaria infections
Deciphering mechanisms of CD4+ T cell-dependent clinical immunity to repeated Plasmodium infections
['FUNDING_R01'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11494030
Researchers will follow children in malaria-prone areas to learn how a type of immune cell (CD4+ T cells) helps them tolerate repeated malaria and how malaria-preventing medicines might change that.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11494030 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project will analyze blood samples collected over time from children in two long-term cohorts in malaria-endemic areas. Researchers will identify Plasmodium-specific CD4+ T cell subsets (including tolerizing 'Tr1' cells), track whether those cells expand from the same clones and form lasting memory, and use epigenetic assays like ATAC-seq to study gene regulation. They will compare children who received chemoprevention with those who did not to see if preventing infections changes how these T cells form. Laboratory immune profiling will be linked to clinical records to understand which immune patterns correspond with being able to tolerate parasites without symptoms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children living in malaria-endemic regions, especially those with repeated malaria exposure or who have received chemoprevention, would be the ideal participants for this research.
Not a fit: Adults, people not exposed to malaria, and individuals without available blood samples are unlikely to be eligible or directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could guide malaria prevention strategies that protect children from disease while avoiding delays in developing natural tolerance that reduces severe illness over time.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown expansion of Tr1 and other CD4+ T cell responses after malaria and immune-profiling has been informative, but combining longitudinal pediatric cohorts with clonal tracking and ATAC-seq is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
STANFORD, UNITED STATES
- STANFORD UNIVERSITY — STANFORD, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: JAGANNATHAN, PRASANNA — STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: JAGANNATHAN, PRASANNA
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.