Understanding how the immune system responds to malaria infections

Computational models of naturally acquired immunity to falciparum malaria

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10828396

This study is looking at how the immune system responds to malaria infections, especially in people who get sick and those who don’t, by working with a special group of participants in Uganda.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-10828396 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the immune responses to malaria, specifically focusing on how the body reacts to repeated infections with the parasite Plasmodium falciparum. By studying a unique group of participants in Uganda, the research aims to capture both symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria cases over time. The approach involves detailed immunological assessments and advanced computational modeling to analyze immune responses. This comprehensive evaluation will help identify differences in immune reactions based on the presence or absence of symptoms.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly children and adults who have experienced malaria infections.

Not a fit: Patients who have never been exposed to malaria or those living outside of endemic regions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for malaria prevention and treatment by enhancing our understanding of immunity.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding malaria immunity, but this approach is novel in its comprehensive evaluation of both symptomatic and asymptomatic infections.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, 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.