Host Targeted Adjunctive Therapies To Boost Antimalarial Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,060,189.00
Summary
Malaria caused 200 million cases and 400000 deaths in 2018. One problem in developing new control strategies for malaria is that following a malaria infection, individuals develop disruptive immune responses that block vaccines. Our project investigates the ability of a repurposed drug to prevent the development of disruptive immune responses during malaria in humans. Results of our studies will inform the development of new malaria control tools.
Identifying T Cell Correlates Of Protective Immunity To Malaria In Childhood
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$396,026.00
Summary
Malaria claims nearly one million lives each year, mostly children. Although those living in endemic regions can acquire natural immunity, it develops slowly and isn`t completely protective. This project studies the impact of different levels of malaria exposure and age on the development of a protective immune response in children. By understanding the effect of high malaria exposure in the development of immunity it is hoped that new avenues for drug development may be identified.
Protective memory T cell immune responses defend our body against pathogens by the rapid induction of killer T cells. This protects us from severe or perhaps even fatal disease. Our work will provide insights to how the body makes these potent ‘footsoldiers’. This work will have important implications for identifying how these immune cells can be manipulated to prevent and treat pathogenic and autoimmune disease and for optimising approaches to vaccination.