Multistage malaria vaccine built on AI-assisted biopolymer particles
Official title: Directed in vivo assembly of a robust biopolymer particle-based multistage malaria vaccine
Funded at Griffith University · NIH-11413420 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new malaria vaccine platform using tiny biopolymer particles that can be produced cheaply, stored without refrigeration, and designed to trigger broad immunity against multiple stages of the malaria parasite.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Griffith University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Southport, Queensland, AUSTRALIA) |
| Project start | September 10, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $549,382 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI189600-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11413420 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals in malaria-endemic regions or researchers and clinicians involved in malaria vaccine research who may participate in later-stage trials.
✕Less likely to help
Early-stage, non-human studies may not directly benefit patients until clinical trials progress.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a safe, effective malaria vaccine that works against several stages of Plasmodium falciparum using antigen-coated biopolymer particles about 300 nanometers in size. The particles are designed inside bacterial factories and potentially enhanced by AI-driven design to optimize immune responses. Researchers will test vaccines in rodent models to see if they elicit strong antibody and CD8+ T cell responses that target pre-erythrocytic, blood, and sexual stages of the parasite. The goal is ambient-temperature stability and scalable production to help make the vaccine affordable for widespread use. If successful, this approach could contribute to broad protection against malaria globally, including areas with limited cold-chain infrastructure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the vaccine could reduce malaria transmission and disease burden worldwide by providing durable, broadly protective immunity.
How similar studies have gone: Biopolymer particle vaccines have shown promise for several diseases, including infectious diseases, suggesting a potential path forward.
Where this research is happening
-
Griffith University
Southport, Queensland, Australia Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rehm, Bernd — Griffith University
- Study coordinator: Rehm, Bernd
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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.