Malaria vaccine targeting weak spots on the parasite's main surface protein
Virus-like Particle based malaria vaccines targeting vulnerable epitopes in the circumsporozoite protein
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR · NIH-11224043
This project is developing a new vaccine that helps the immune system produce stronger, longer-lasting antibodies to block malaria infection in people at risk, including young children.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ALBUQUERQUE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11224043 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are designing vaccine pieces that mimic vulnerable parts of the malaria parasite's circumsporozoite protein (CSP) and displaying them on harmless virus-like particles to trigger a strong immune response. They will test different formulations and immune-boosting strategies to produce high and durable antibody levels. The team will closely monitor B cell and antibody responses with sensitive laboratory tests to understand how immunity develops and lasts. Promising vaccine candidates will be tested in state-of-the-art mouse infection models to see if they prevent the parasite from reaching the liver.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for eventual human testing would be people at risk of malaria—especially infants and young children in endemic areas—once the vaccine advances to clinical trials.
Not a fit: People not exposed to malaria or those with severely weakened immune systems may not gain benefit from this vaccine approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to a malaria vaccine that gives stronger and longer-lasting protection than current options, reducing infections in children and other high-risk groups.
How similar studies have performed: Existing vaccines like RTS,S provide partial, waning protection, while virus-like particle vaccine approaches have produced promising antibody responses and protection in animal studies but remain early for human use.
Where this research is happening
ALBUQUERQUE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR — ALBUQUERQUE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHACKERIAN, BRYCE C — UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR
- Study coordinator: CHACKERIAN, BRYCE C
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.