Understanding how malaria parasites invade red blood cells
Official title: Functional characterization of the Plasmodium falciparum invasion ligand bindome
Funded at Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-11090344 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the malaria parasite gets into red blood cells, which is important for understanding the disease better, and it could help create new vaccines to protect people from malaria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 16, 2024 |
| Project end | May 14, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $39,258 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI180609-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11090344 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in malaria-endemic regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in malaria-endemic areas or those who are not at risk of malaria infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum invades red blood cells, a critical step in the disease's progression. By using a novel technique called biotinylated supernatant erythrocyte binding assay proteomics (BSEP), the study aims to identify the various proteins that the parasite uses to attach to and enter these cells. This comprehensive mapping of the parasite's invasion proteins could help in developing effective vaccines against malaria. Patients may benefit from advancements in malaria treatment and prevention stemming from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of a blood-stage malaria vaccine, significantly reducing malaria infections and deaths.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying malaria parasite proteins and their interactions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard School of Public Health
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kanjee, Usheer — Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Kanjee, Usheer
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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.