How malaria parasites pick which red blood cells to infect
Malaria parasite determinants of host cell tropism
Researchers will look for parasite genes that make Plasmodium falciparum prefer certain ages or species of red blood cells to help reduce severe malaria in affected people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11112414 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses lab-grown Plasmodium falciparum parasites and genetic crosses to find parasite differences that determine which red blood cells they invade. Scientists will create progeny from parasite parents with different invasion preferences and use bulk segregant analysis to pinpoint genetic changes tied to red blood cell age and species preference. The work focuses on parasite genes and polymorphisms that may explain why some strains reach higher parasite levels and cause worse illness. Results are intended to clarify mechanisms behind severe infection and transmission, potentially guiding future interventions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Although this lab-based grant does not enroll patients, people in malaria-endemic regions and those who have experienced severe P. falciparum infections would be most likely to benefit from downstream therapies informed by this work.
Not a fit: People without exposure to P. falciparum (for example, those in non-endemic areas) or those with unrelated health conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory genetics project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new targets to block parasite entry into red blood cells, helping prevent severe malaria and transmission.
How similar studies have performed: Related parasite genetic-cross and bulk-segregant approaches have successfully identified genes linked to invasion and drug response, though translating such findings into therapies remains challenging.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duraisingh, Manoj T — Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Duraisingh, Manoj T
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.