Understanding how red blood cell factors help malaria parasites invade
Official title: Elucidating the functions of red blood cell factors in malaria parasite invasion
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11101088 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of red blood cells help malaria parasites get into the body, and by using special technology, researchers hope to find new ways to treat malaria, which is especially important as the disease becomes harder to fight.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $81,547 |
| NIH project number | 3R01HL166249-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11101088 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who are at risk of malaria infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for malaria or who are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific factors in red blood cells that allow malaria parasites to invade and cause disease. Using advanced CRISPR-Cas9 technology, researchers will create modified human blood cells to study how these factors interact with the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. By identifying the functions of these red blood cell factors, the research aims to uncover new therapeutic targets for malaria treatment, which is particularly important given the rising drug resistance and lack of effective vaccines.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for malaria, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality, especially in vulnerable populations like children.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using CRISPR technology to explore genetic factors in disease, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Egan, Elizabeth S. — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Egan, Elizabeth S.
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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.