Understanding how malaria affects immune cells
Official title: Mechanism of neutrophil dysfunction by Plasmodium falciparum secreted histidine-rich protein II
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11142404 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a protein from the malaria parasite affects the immune cells in children who have had malaria, to understand why their bodies might struggle to fight off bacterial infections even after they’ve recovered from malaria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | July 22, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $194,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI185223-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11142404 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who have recently been diagnosed with malaria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had malaria or are over the age of 11 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a protein secreted by the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum impacts the function of neutrophils, which are crucial immune cells that help fight infections. The study focuses on children who have experienced malaria, examining how their neutrophils become less effective at responding to bacterial infections even weeks after the malaria infection has cleared. By analyzing blood samples and using laboratory models, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind this immune dysfunction and its implications for treating infections in malaria-affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for children with malaria, reducing their risk of severe bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding immune dysfunction in malaria can lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goldberg, Daniel E. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Goldberg, Daniel E.
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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.