Human-guided next-generation T cell malaria vaccine
Human-informed data-driven development of next-generation T cell vaccine against malaria
This project is developing a T cell-based vaccine to help protect people at risk of malaria by targeting the parasite during its liver stage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Queensland NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Brisbane, Australia) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173574 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers used human immune data to map which Plasmodium falciparum proteins are recognized by T cells. They will prioritize proteins that are mainly targeted by CD8+ T cells and are conserved across parasite strains. The top candidate antigens will be experimentally characterized and credentialed to see if they can induce the right T cell responses. The overall plan is to assemble antigens that could form a vaccine that trains the immune system to stop infection before parasites reach the blood.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future trials would include people who live in or travel to malaria-endemic areas, and those with prior exposure to P. falciparum.
Not a fit: Because this grant focuses on early-stage vaccine development, people currently ill with malaria are unlikely to get direct benefit right away.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a vaccine that prevents malaria infections and cuts transmission in communities at risk.
How similar studies have performed: Whole-parasite approaches like radiation-attenuated sporozoites have produced strong protection in some trials, but T cell–focused, antigen-based vaccines remain under development.
Where this research is happening
Brisbane, Australia
- University of Queensland — Brisbane, Australia (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Doolan, Denise L. — University of Queensland
- Study coordinator: Doolan, Denise L.
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.