# Defining targets of protective immunity to vivax malaria using human monoclonal antibodies

> **NIH NIH R01** · CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $774,283

## Abstract

The goal of our proposal is to develop new approaches for the prevention and treatment of human malaria
caused by the parasite Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax). This type of malaria, known as vivax malaria, is the most
widely distributed type of malaria with 3.3 billion people at risk and at least 15 million clinical cases worldwide
each year. As the most common form of malaria outside sub-Saharan Africa, it can cause severe illness and
death across a large segment of the world's population. Most individuals exposed to P. vivax through repeated
infection gain partial immunity over time. The immunity is mediated, in part, by acquired antibodies (Abs) to
essential parasite proteins that can block the parasite invasion into liver and red blood cells thereby preventing
infection and if infected reduce the risk of disease. This proposal aims to isolate human monoclonal antibodies
(mAbs) from individuals with immunity to vivax malaria that recognize a few key molecules known to be
essential for invasion of liver and red blood cells. Once isolated these mAbs will be evaluated as to whether
they block parasite invasion of liver and red cells in vitro, and in vivo using murine models and genetically
modified parasites. Monoclonal Abs with potent blocking activity will be further characterized as to exactly how
and where they interact with parasite proteins and whether individuals in diverse populations also have the
same or similar antibodies. This information can be used to help to design a vaccine against vivax malaria.
These mAbs can also be used for treatment of severely ill patients, or for prevention of vivax malaria over time,
since a single injection of modified mAbs can last for weeks and even months.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9973847
- **Project number:** 1R01AI143694-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Christopher L King
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $774,283
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-03-24 → 2025-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9973847

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9973847, Defining targets of protective immunity to vivax malaria using human monoclonal antibodies (1R01AI143694-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9973847. Licensed CC0.

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