How malaria causes some B cells to steal nutrients and weaken long-term immunity
Mechanisms and consequences of extrafollicular B cell activation during malaria
Looking at whether widespread B cell activation during malaria uses up nutrients and weakens long-lasting antibody protection for people exposed to malaria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144303 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers are using laboratory models to learn why malaria infections fail to build strong, long-lasting antibody memory. They study how many B cells become broadly activated during infection and whether those cells act as a nutrient sink that hurts Plasmodium-specific memory B cells. In mice they remove the excess B cells or give a specific amino acid supplement to see if parasite clearance and memory improve, and they examine the immune cells' metabolism and gene activity. The goal is to find ways to protect or boost antibody responses after malaria or improve future vaccine strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who live in or have recently recovered from malaria, or who are willing to donate blood samples for research, would be the most relevant candidates for related human studies.
Not a fit: People without malaria exposure or with unrelated non-protozoan illnesses are unlikely to see direct benefits from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to new immune-based or dietary approaches to improve long-term antibody protection after malaria.
How similar studies have performed: Related animal studies have shown that changing B cell populations or supplementing nutrients can improve immune responses in mice, but human benefits are not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
Iowa City, United States
- University of Iowa — Iowa City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Butler, Noah Sullivan — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Butler, Noah Sullivan
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.