Understanding how certain parasite proteins affect severe malaria in children
Official title: Deciphering the roles of RIFIN and STEVOR parasite antigens in severe malaria pathogenesis via transcriptomics and immune profiling
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10974027 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins from malaria parasites affect how sick children in sub-Saharan Africa get from the disease, especially focusing on how different blood types, like A and O, play a role in this, to help find ways to better protect and treat those at higher risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $35,459 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AI178915-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974027 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years living in sub-Saharan Africa who are at risk of severe malaria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 0-11 years or those not residing in sub-Saharan Africa may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the roles of specific parasite proteins, RIFINs and STEVORs, in the severity of malaria among children in sub-Saharan Africa. By analyzing blood samples and immune responses, the study aims to uncover how these proteins interact with different blood types, particularly focusing on the increased risk associated with blood type A and the protective nature of blood type O. The research employs advanced transcriptomics and immune profiling techniques to gain insights into the mechanisms that lead to severe malaria. This could help identify children at higher risk and improve treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of severe malaria in children, potentially saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising links between parasite antigens and malaria severity, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lawton, Jonathan — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Lawton, Jonathan
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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.