How malaria affects the effectiveness of the Ebola vaccine

Defining the effect of Plasmodium infection on Ebola virus vaccine efficacy

NIH-funded research University of Iowa · NIH-10906240

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Iowa NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Iowa City, United States)
Project IDNIH-10906240 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in Central and West Africa who are at risk of both malaria and Ebola virus infection.

Not a fit: Patients who do not reside in malaria-endemic regions or who have already been vaccinated against Ebola may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Iowa City, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.