Understanding natural immunity to malaria infection in children
Serological markers of natural immunity to Plasmodium falciparum infection
This study is looking at how kids build natural defenses against malaria, a disease caused by a parasite, to help create better vaccines that can protect them from getting sick.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10877158 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how children develop natural immunity to Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for malaria. By using advanced tools to analyze blood samples, the study aims to identify specific antibodies that provide protection against the early stages of malaria infection. The findings could help in designing effective vaccines that target these immune responses, ultimately aiming to reduce malaria transmission and improve health outcomes for children. The research is led by Dr. DeAnna Friedman-Klabanoff at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who are at risk of malaria infection.
Not a fit: Patients who are not children or those who do not live in malaria-endemic regions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of a malaria vaccine that significantly reduces the incidence of malaria in children.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune responses to malaria, but this approach aims to provide novel insights that could enhance vaccine development.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Friedman-Klabanoff, Deanna — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Friedman-Klabanoff, Deanna
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 below.