Identifying malaria parasite proteins linked to severe illness
Parasite variant surface antigen expression and immune gaps in severe malaria
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE · NIH-11135478
This project looks for parasite proteins in people with severe malaria that could help guide new vaccines or treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11135478 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will use a new RNA sequencing method on blood samples to read the full parasite protein messages from infections. They will enrich and sequence variant surface antigen transcripts from patients with severe and mild malaria, then compare the patterns across disease types and regions. The team will focus on samples collected in sub-Saharan Africa and use a custom capture array to detect diverse parasite proteins. Results aim to find common parasite proteins tied to severe cases that could become targets for vaccines or drugs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people (especially children) in sub-Saharan Africa who have confirmed severe malaria and can provide blood samples for analysis.
Not a fit: People without malaria, or only mild cases, are unlikely to see direct benefits from this project in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal parasite protein targets that guide vaccine or drug development to prevent or reduce severe malaria in children.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked some variant surface antigens to severe disease, but using full-length RNA sequencing with targeted enrichment is a newer approach that may reveal additional, shared targets.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TRAVASSOS, MARK A — UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE
- Study coordinator: TRAVASSOS, MARK A
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.