Understanding how coma occurs in children with cerebral malaria
Official title: Defining the mechanism of coma in cerebral malaria
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-10848352 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how a substance called pipecolic acid might affect the brains of children in a coma due to severe malaria, with the hope of finding new ways to help them recover.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | July 8, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $527,997 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI164864-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10848352 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who are diagnosed with cerebral malaria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cerebral malaria or are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind coma in children suffering from cerebral malaria, a severe complication of malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. The study focuses on the role of pipecolic acid (PA), a compound found in high levels in the blood of affected children, and its potential effects on the central nervous system. By comparing cerebrospinal fluid and brain samples from infected and non-infected models, the researchers aim to uncover how PA may disrupt consciousness through interactions with specific brain receptors. This could lead to a better understanding of the condition and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reverse coma in children with cerebral malaria.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that understanding metabolic pathways in malaria can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Daily, Johanna Patricia — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Daily, Johanna Patricia
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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.