Understanding how malaria affects the brain's protective barrier
Official title: Brain endothelial barrier disruption during cerebral malaria
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11089551 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the malaria parasite affects the barrier that protects the brain, which could help us find better ways to treat cerebral malaria and keep your brain healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $690,996 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI181219-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089551 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with cerebral malaria or those at high risk of developing this condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have malaria or related conditions affecting the brain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the malaria parasite disrupts the blood-brain barrier, which is crucial for protecting the brain from harmful substances. The team will study how infected red blood cells interact with brain endothelial cells and identify specific molecules that contribute to this disruption. By using advanced in vitro models that mimic the human brain environment, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind this process and the role of hemozoin, a byproduct of the parasite. This work could lead to new insights into treating cerebral malaria and protecting brain health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or mitigate the severe neurological complications associated with cerebral malaria.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the interactions between malaria and the blood-brain barrier, but this specific approach focusing on hemozoin is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rodriguez, Ana — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Rodriguez, Ana
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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.