Understanding how red blood cells help malaria parasites invade the body
Official title: Elucidating the functions of red blood cell factors in malaria parasite invasion
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10874747 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how malaria parasites get into red blood cells and cause illness, using special technology to change human blood cells, with the goal of finding new ways to treat malaria, especially for kids and pregnant women who are at higher risk.
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 | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $740,435 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL166249-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10874747 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old and individuals at risk of severe malaria, particularly those in regions where malaria is endemic.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by malaria or who do not have any risk factors for malaria infection 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, the team will create modified human blood cells to study how these factors interact with the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. By identifying the mechanisms behind this invasion, the research aims to uncover new therapeutic targets that could lead to better 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 new treatments or preventive measures against malaria, significantly reducing morbidity and mortality rates.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has successfully utilized CRISPR technology to explore genetic factors in disease, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights into malaria as well.
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.