Award
NIH Reporter #5R01AI168238-04
Evaluating the Functional Impact of Genetic Diversity on Malaria Vaccine Candidates
Recipient
Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
Award Amount
$551,244.00
Ceiling
$551,244.00
Awarded
August 18, 2025
Identifier
5R01AI168238-04
A research project funded by NIAID to study genetic diversity in malaria vaccine candidates using genomic sequencing and CRISPR-Cas9 to improve vaccine efficacy.
Description
This project aims to evaluate the impact of genetic diversity in Plasmodium falciparum antigens on malaria vaccine development. Using genomic approaches and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, the study will identify and functionally interrogate candidate antigens, including PfRh5, to understand their role in immune evasion and vaccine efficacy. The research involves creating transgenic parasites, assessing immune neutralization, and analyzing antibody responses from malaria-immune individuals and vaccine trial subjects.