Understanding how dormant malaria parasites form in the liver
Official title: Comparative transcriptomics of Plasmodium vivax strains to understand hypnozoite formation
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-11110484 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how the malaria parasite hides in the liver and what makes it go into a dormant state, which could help us find better ways to treat malaria and prevent it from coming back.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | June 7, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $188,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI180920-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11110484 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced malaria infections caused by Plasmodium vivax.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with malaria caused by other strains of Plasmodium or those who have never been infected with malaria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms behind the formation of dormant liver stages of the malaria parasite Plasmodium vivax, known as hypnozoites. By examining different strains of the parasite, the researchers aim to determine whether these dormant forms are predetermined before they invade liver cells. The study utilizes advanced techniques to analyze how these parasites behave in a controlled laboratory setting, which could lead to new treatments for malaria. The ultimate goal is to find ways to eliminate these dormant stages to reduce the burden of malaria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that effectively eliminate dormant malaria parasites, reducing the incidence of malaria infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown some promise in understanding malaria parasite behavior, but this specific approach to studying hypnozoite formation is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Joyner, Chester J. — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Joyner, Chester J.
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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.