Understanding how past malaria infections affect vaccine responses in children

Mechanisms of compromised CD8 T cell responses to vaccination in malaria experienced hosts

NIH-funded research University of Iowa · NIH-11124154

This study is looking at how having malaria before affects how well kids in malaria-prone areas respond to vaccines, using a mouse model to help understand this better and find ways to make vaccines work better for them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Iowa NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Iowa City, United States)
Project IDNIH-11124154 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how previous malaria infections impact the immune response to vaccines in children living in malaria-endemic regions. By using a mouse model that mimics human malaria infections, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind reduced vaccine efficacy in individuals who have experienced malaria. The researchers will analyze immune responses to a specific type of vaccine that has shown promise in preventing malaria, with the goal of improving vaccine strategies for affected populations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who have experienced malaria infections and live in regions where malaria is common.

Not a fit: Patients who have never been exposed to malaria or who are outside the targeted age range may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective malaria vaccines for children in endemic areas, ultimately reducing malaria incidence and improving health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding immune responses in malaria-experienced individuals can lead to advancements in vaccine development, indicating potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Iowa City, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.