New human monoclonal antibodies to stop malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax
Official title: Defining targets of protective immunity to Plasmodium vivax using human monoclonal antibodies
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11572319 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher team is developing human monoclonal antibodies to prevent and treat malaria from Plasmodium vivax, with a plan to test promising antibodies in primates and prepare for human trials.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $631,401 |
| NIH project number | 2R56AI143694-06A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11572319 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals in malaria-endemic areas or populations at risk who could participate in future antibody-based prevention or treatment trials.
✕Less likely to help
Early-stage preclinical work will not directly benefit any patient during this phase; benefits depend on future human studies.
What this research studies
This project focuses on creating and optimizing human monoclonal antibodies that target PvAMA1 and PvCSP to block liver and blood-stage malaria. The approach includes using AI-guided design and phage display to improve antibody binding and modifying the antibody Fc region to boost protective effects. The work involves preclinical testing in nonhuman primates and will pave the way for future human clinical trials. The goal is to develop cost-effective antibodies that could prevent infection or reduce disease severity in people exposed to Pv malaria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the antibodies could provide new preventive and therapeutic options against vivax malaria.
How similar studies have gone: Previous antibody-based strategies have shown promise in malaria models, but translation to humans remains ongoing and this work seeks to advance that.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: King, Christopher L — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: King, Christopher L
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.