Understanding how repeated malaria infections help develop immunity
Official title: Maturation of human humoral immunity through repeat malaria challenges
Funded at Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med · NIH-11067824 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system learns to fight off malaria after being bitten by mosquitoes, and it's for people who have never had malaria before, to help us find ways to better protect kids and others at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethesda, United States) |
| Project start | May 24, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $778,280 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI177698-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11067824 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are healthy individuals aged 0-11 years and 21 years and older who are malaria-naïve and willing to participate in controlled exposure to malaria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already infected with malaria or have a history of severe allergic reactions to mosquito bites may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the human immune system develops protection against malaria through repeated exposure to the parasite. It involves a clinical trial where malaria-naïve volunteers are first exposed to uninfected mosquitoes, followed by bites from mosquitoes infected with the malaria parasite. By controlling the timing and strain of the parasite exposure, the study aims to understand the immune response and the role of antibodies in providing protection against malaria. This could lead to insights on how to enhance immunity in vulnerable populations, particularly children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing malaria and enhancing immunity in at-risk populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using controlled human malaria infection models has shown promise in understanding immune responses, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med
Bethesda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williamson, Kim C — Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med
- Study coordinator: Williamson, Kim C
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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.