NIH-funded research R21 grant

Understanding how immune cells respond during mild malaria infections

Official title: Modulation of Monocyte and T Cell Functions by Immune Inhibitory Receptors during Subclinical Malaria

Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-11054872 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain immune system signals affect the way white blood cells work in kids with mild malaria that doesn’t show symptoms, hoping to find ways to help fight the malaria parasite better.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project startDecember 19, 2024
Project endNovember 30, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$184,109
NIH project number1R21AI182702-01A1
Project IDNIH-11054872 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 1-15 years who have subclinical malaria infections.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not children or do not have subclinical malaria infections may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how certain immune inhibitory receptors affect the function of monocytes and T cells in children with subclinical malaria, which is a form of malaria that does not show obvious symptoms. By analyzing samples from a group of children in Benin, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that allow the malaria parasite to persist without causing illness. The researchers will focus on specific receptors that may inhibit the immune response, potentially leading to better strategies for malaria elimination. The findings could help improve our understanding of immune responses in malaria and inform future treatments.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for malaria elimination and better management of immune responses in affected populations.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding immune responses in malaria can lead to significant advancements in treatment and prevention strategies.

Where this research is happening

  • Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
    Cleveland, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Dobbs, Katherine Rose — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
  • Study coordinator: Dobbs, Katherine Rose

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.