New multi-stage malaria vaccine antigen to block infection and transmission
Official title: Development of novel malaria vaccine antigen targeting multiple stages of the Plasmodium lifecycle.
Funded at Mercer University Macon · NIH-11439109 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new NIH-funded project aims to create a malaria vaccine that targets multiple parasite stages to both prevent liver infection and stop transmission by mosquitoes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mercer University Macon NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Macon, United States) |
| Project start | July 3, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $230,463 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI201869-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11439109 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals living in malaria-endemic regions or populations at risk of exposure could benefit from a future vaccine once developed.
✕Less likely to help
People without risk of malaria infection or those who do not participate in vaccine trials may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project uses peptide mimotopes to trigger antibodies that can neutralize malaria sporozoites and block fertilization in the mosquito. Researchers will test a female-targeting antigen (HSP90N’ domain) and a male-targeting peptide (FG1) to develop a dual-action transmission-blocking vaccine, then fuse it with a liver-stage antigen to create a broader, multi-stage vaccine. The work builds on prior findings that antibodies against these peptides can bind to parasite stages and interfere with infection. The study focuses on identifying the best combination of epitopes to maximize protective and transmission-blocking effects. Results could guide a next-step plan toward a vaccine that protects individuals and reduces community transmission.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this vaccine approach could reduce malaria infections and help curb transmission in endemic areas.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work with mimotope peptides showed protective antibody responses and transmission-blocking potential, supporting continued development of multi-stage TBV strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
Mercer University Macon
Macon, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cha, Sung-Jae — Mercer University Macon
- Study coordinator: Cha, Sung-Jae
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Digital malaria surveillance in Ethiopia to improve outbreak detection
A collaboration to add a malaria-specific digital module to an existing surveillance system in Africa to help detect and respond to outbreaks faster.
-
Cross-sector partnership uses digital malaria surveillance in Ethiopia
A US-based team will adapt and test a digital malaria surveillance module in SORMAS to help detect and respond to malaria outbreaks in Ethiopia.
-
Malaria control project in Western Kenya to reduce illness and deaths
A large, multi-year effort in western Kenya will help track malaria spread and test ways to prevent transmission so fewer people get sick or die.
-
Optimizing tafenoquine dose to prevent relapse of vivax malaria in Asia
A study tests the best tafenoquine dose to prevent P. vivax malaria relapse in people in East Asia and Oceania.
-
Optimizing tafenoquine dose to prevent P. vivax malaria relapses in Asia
A study to find the best single-dose tafenoquine amount to prevent relapse of P. vivax malaria in people in East Asia and Oceania.
-
Severe malaria and brain risk in children
This grant studies how severe malaria in young children can affect brain development and long-term thinking and behavior, with a focus on kids in Uganda.
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.