Plasmodium vivax invasion in people with Duffy-negative blood groups
Official title: Plasmodium vivax Erythrocyte Invasion Mechanisms and Humoral Immune Response in Duffy Negative Africans
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-11502954 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to understand how the malaria parasite Plasmodium vivax can invade red blood cells and how people with Duffy-negative blood respond to the infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | February 9, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $58,131 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AI162947-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11502954 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with African ancestry who are Duffy-negative and may be at risk for P. vivax infection, along with collaborators in areas with malaria exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without Duffy-negative status or without exposure risk may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project focuses on how P. vivax can infect red blood cells in individuals who were thought to be resistant due to the Duffy-negative status. Researchers will examine alternative invasion routes and measure antibody responses in affected populations, including people of African ancestry. The goal is to identify new targets for diagnostics and therapies that could help prevent and treat P. vivax malaria in real-world settings. The work involves laboratory analyses of blood samples and immunological assays to map humoral responses. Results could improve malaria preparedness and care for patients in the United States and globally.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could lead to better diagnostics and treatments for P. vivax malaria, especially in Duffy-negative individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown alternate invasion pathways; this study aims to build on that by focusing on Duffy-negative populations and humoral responses.
Where this research is happening
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lo, Eugenia — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Lo, Eugenia
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.