Understanding why some African children don't respond well to malaria vaccine boosters
Official title: Determinants of poor responsiveness to the booster dose of the RTS,S malaria vaccine in African children
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11072361 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why kids under 11 in sub-Saharan Africa don't respond well to the RTS,S malaria vaccine booster, focusing on how past malaria infections and health issues might affect their immune system, with the goal of finding better ways to improve the vaccine's effectiveness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 6, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $690,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI182232-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11072361 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are African children aged 0-11 years who are receiving the RTS,S malaria vaccine.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 0-11 years or those not receiving the RTS,S malaria vaccine may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the reasons behind the poor immune responses to the booster dose of the RTS,S malaria vaccine in children under 11 years old in sub-Saharan Africa. It aims to explore how repeated malaria infections and other health factors may affect the body's ability to respond to the vaccine. By analyzing immune mechanisms and the role of micronutrient deficiencies, the study seeks to identify ways to improve vaccine efficacy and implementation strategies. The findings could help optimize future malaria vaccination programs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved malaria vaccine strategies that enhance protection for children in Africa.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding immune responses can lead to significant improvements in vaccine efficacy, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Valim, Clarissa — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Valim, Clarissa
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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.