Identifying proteins that help malaria parasites invade red blood cells
Official title: Functional characterization of the Plasmodium falciparum invasion ligand bindome
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11327134 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the malaria parasite gets into red blood cells, which is important for understanding the disease better, and it aims to find new ways to create vaccines by identifying the proteins the parasite uses to invade these cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | May 16, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $160,117 |
| NIH project number | 7R21AI180609-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11327134 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in malaria-endemic regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in malaria-endemic areas or those who are not infected with malaria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum invades red blood cells, which is crucial for the disease's progression. By using a novel technique called biotinylated supernatant erythrocyte binding assay proteomics (BSEP), the researchers aim to identify a comprehensive set of proteins that the parasite uses to bind to and invade these cells. This information could help in developing effective vaccines against malaria by targeting these invasion proteins. The study will involve analyzing various proteins and their interactions with red blood cells to fill the gaps in current knowledge about malaria invasion mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of a blood-stage malaria vaccine, significantly reducing malaria infections and deaths.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying malaria invasion mechanisms, but this approach aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding, making it a novel effort.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kanjee, Usheer — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Kanjee, Usheer
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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.