How people develop lasting protection against malaria
Once Bitten: Acquisition of Malaria Adaptive Immunity (OBAMA - Immunity)
This project looks at how people in malaria-affected areas gradually build broad protection after repeated infections so future vaccines can protect against many parasite strains.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11128586 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I live where malaria is common, researchers will follow people over time, record infections, and collect blood samples to see which antibody responses appear after repeat infections. They will compare immune responses against many different parasite strains and use lab tests to map which parts of the parasite trigger broad protection. The team aims to distinguish true immune protection from simply not being exposed, by carefully tracking who gets bitten and infected. The results will guide vaccine designs that target the most useful, broadly protective parasite parts.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people living in malaria-endemic regions who experience repeated malaria exposure and are willing to provide blood samples and clinical information over time.
Not a fit: People who do not live in malaria-endemic areas, those without prior exposure, or anyone seeking immediate clinical treatment benefits may not directly gain from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to vaccines or immune-based tools that protect against many malaria strains and reduce infections and deaths in endemic areas.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work shows that some people develop broad protection naturally, but earlier studies could not clearly separate real protection from lack of exposure, so this approach seeks to resolve that limitation.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Prudhommeomeara, Wendy — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Prudhommeomeara, Wendy
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.