Once Bitten: How to Build Broad Malaria Immunity
Official title: Once Bitten: Acquisition of Malaria Adaptive Immunity (OBAMA - Immunity)
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11604499 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to develop a malaria vaccine strategy that induces broad, lasting protection against diverse parasite strains for people in malaria-affected areas and military personnel.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | July 17, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $154,153 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AI179141-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11604499 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants include individuals in malaria-endemic regions or populations with prior malaria exposure to study natural immunity patterns.
✕Less likely to help
People without malaria exposure or those not targeted by future vaccines may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This research looks at how the immune system can be trained to recognize many different malaria parasite strains rather than just one. It focuses on antibody responses to highly variable parasite targets and how to overcome strain-specific protection. The team will study human-relevant samples and immune markers to identify pathways that support cross-strain immunity. The goal is to inform next-generation vaccines that work well in real-world, diverse malaria settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to a vaccine that prevents malaria across many strains, reducing illness and outbreaks.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows strain-diverse immunity can be achieved in some individuals, but broadly protective vaccines remain challenging.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Prudhommeomeara, Wendy — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Prudhommeomeara, Wendy
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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.