Understanding how malaria parasites divide in the blood
Official title: Spatial, temporal, and functional study of the basal complex in Plasmodium falciparum
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11057713 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the malaria parasite grows and divides inside our red blood cells, with the goal of finding better treatments for malaria, especially for children and pregnant women who are at higher risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 18, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $691,974 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI178865-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057713 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under the age of 11, particularly those who are at risk of malaria infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by malaria or are over the age of 11 may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex process by which the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum replicates within human red blood cells, particularly focusing on the mechanisms of cell division. The study aims to uncover the roles of specific structures, such as the inner membrane complex and the basal complex, which are crucial for the parasite's ability to divide and produce new infectious forms. By examining these processes, the research seeks to fill significant knowledge gaps that could lead to improved treatments for malaria, especially in vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective anti-malarial treatments, ultimately reducing the burden of malaria in children and pregnant women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding malaria parasite biology, but this specific focus on the basal complex is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dvorin, Jeffrey D — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Dvorin, Jeffrey D
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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.