How malaria affects the effectiveness of the Ebola vaccine
Official title: Defining the effect of Plasmodium infection on Ebola virus vaccine efficacy
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-10906240 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how malaria affects the body's response to the Ebola vaccine, ERVEBO, to help understand why some people still get Ebola after being vaccinated, especially in areas where malaria is common, and to find ways to make the vaccine work better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | August 11, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $194,375 |
| NIH project number | 5UH2AI174415-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906240 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in Central and West Africa who are at risk of both malaria and Ebola virus infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in malaria-endemic regions or who have already been vaccinated against Ebola may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of Plasmodium infection, which causes malaria, on the immune response to the Ebola virus vaccine, ERVEBO. The study aims to understand why some vaccinated individuals still contract Ebola, particularly in regions where malaria is prevalent. By examining the interactions between malaria and the immune system's response to the vaccine, researchers hope to identify ways to enhance vaccine efficacy. The project involves experimental models to simulate these infections and vaccine responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vaccination strategies against Ebola in malaria-endemic regions, potentially saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that co-infections can significantly impact vaccine efficacy, suggesting that this investigation is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maury, Wendy Jean — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Maury, Wendy Jean
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.