Understanding how the immune system can fight liver-stage malaria

Immunity to Liver-stage malaria

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · NIH-11002275

This study is looking at how to help the immune system, especially a type of immune cell called CD8 T cells, learn to fight off liver-stage malaria, with a special focus on finding better vaccines for young children who are most at risk.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF IOWA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11002275 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how the immune system, specifically CD8 T cells, can be trained to combat liver-stage malaria caused by Plasmodium species. The team has been studying the immune response to malaria for over a decade, focusing on how certain immunization strategies can generate effective memory T cells that provide protection against malaria infections. By exploring different vaccination approaches, the research aims to identify ways to enhance the immune response in young children, who are most vulnerable to malaria. The ultimate goal is to develop a potent vaccine that can significantly reduce malaria cases and fatalities in affected regions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children under 12 years old living in sub-Saharan Africa, where malaria is prevalent.

Not a fit: Patients who are not children or those living outside of sub-Saharan Africa may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of an effective malaria vaccine, significantly reducing the incidence and mortality of malaria in young children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in developing malaria vaccines using similar immunization strategies, indicating potential for success in this area.

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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.