Investigating a new malaria vaccine's immune response
Official title: Systems Antibody Immunology of the Malaria Sporozoite Vaccine
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11264589 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a new malaria vaccine works in kids under 11 in Sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to find out which antibodies can help protect them from malaria and improve future vaccines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | January 16, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $195,480 |
| NIH project number | 7K08AI180370-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11264589 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old living in Sub-Saharan Africa who are at risk of malaria infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of malaria or those living outside of Sub-Saharan Africa may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the immune response generated by a new malaria vaccine called PfSPZ. It aims to identify the protective antibodies that can help prevent malaria, especially in children under 11 years old in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study will analyze how existing immunity affects the vaccine's effectiveness and explore new antibody targets that could enhance protection. By using advanced serology techniques, the research seeks to uncover critical insights that could lead to the development of more effective malaria vaccines.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of a more effective malaria vaccine, significantly reducing malaria infections in vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing malaria vaccines, but this approach is exploring new avenues that have not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Herman, Jonathan David — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Herman, Jonathan David
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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.