How type I Interferon affects immune memory against malaria
Official title: Impairment of anti-Plasmodium T cell memory by type I Interferon Signaling
Funded at Seattle Children's Hospital · NIH-11085989 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific part of the immune system helps fight malaria in the liver, especially focusing on certain immune cells called CD8 T cells, to find ways to make our defenses against the malaria parasite stronger.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Seattle Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $767,280 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI170777-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085989 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of malaria infection, particularly those in endemic regions or with compromised immune systems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for malaria or those with existing severe liver disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how type I Interferon signaling impacts the immune response to malaria, particularly focusing on the liver's CD8 T cells. By using malaria liver stage infection as a model, the study aims to identify the factors that influence the effectiveness of these immune cells in combating the malaria parasite. The approach includes analyzing immune responses and gene expression in animal models to understand the mechanisms behind T cell dysfunction. This could lead to new strategies for enhancing immunity against malaria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments or vaccines for malaria by enhancing the immune response.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses to malaria, but this specific approach focusing on type I Interferon is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Seattle Children's Hospital
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Minkah, Nana Kwaku — Seattle Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Minkah, Nana Kwaku
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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.