How gut bacteria affect immune responses to malaria vaccines
Official title: Effect of gut microbiota composition on malaria vaccine-induced immune responses
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11124081 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut might affect how well malaria vaccines work, especially for people in Africa, by using mice that have similar gut bacteria to those found in that region.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | June 24, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $194,728 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI186331-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11124081 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in Africa who are at risk of malaria and may benefit from improved vaccine responses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in regions where malaria is prevalent or who are not eligible for vaccination may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of gut microbiota in shaping immune responses to malaria vaccines. By using a controlled mouse model that mimics the gut microbiome of individuals in Africa, the study aims to understand how different gut bacteria can influence the effectiveness of malaria vaccines. The researchers will explore how these microbial communities interact with the immune system and potentially enhance vaccine efficacy. This approach is crucial as current vaccine trials often do not account for the differences in gut microbiota between populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective malaria vaccines tailored to the gut microbiome of specific populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that gut microbiota can influence vaccine responses, suggesting that this research builds on established findings while exploring a novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schmidt, Nathan — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Schmidt, Nathan
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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.