Development of novel vaccines against malaria

Development of a highly effective vaccine against malaria is greatly needed for global elimination of malaria. However, this is currently hindered because of a limited knowledge of the mechanisms and specific targets of immunity to malaria.

We have used a wide range of approaches to identify mechanisms involving antibody interactions with Fc-receptors, immune cells, and complement, and antibody blocking of receptor-ligand interactions, which may be crucial for effective immunity against malaria. In addition, we are investigating responses generated by existing vaccines that have completed clinical trials, but only achieved partial protective efficacy.

Understanding the immune responses these vaccines generate, how they work and why they are not more protective, will help achieve next generation highly protective and long-lasting vaccines.
This project will use our recently developed technologies and approaches to identify targets and epitopes that induce functional antibodies. The research will focus on key antigens expressed by malaria during invasion of host cells in the liver or the blood. It will involve the use of multiple cellular, molecular, and antibody assays to identify potential targets that could be included in vaccines.

Studies will also investigate the optimal combinations of antibody targets that induce functional immunity in a synergistic manner, using this knowledge for informing vaccine design, and the expression and testing of novel vaccine candidates to achieve high levels of protection from malaria. Studies could also include analysis of responses in completed clinical trials of malaria vaccine candidates. The project will link with our vaccine development activities using mRNA and recombinant protein vaccine platforms.

The specific activities and focus of the project will be refined to suit the interests and training background of the student. This project is suitable for a student with a keen interest in humoral and cellular immunology and/or vaccine design. The student will acquire unique skills in performing immunoassays including ELISA, monocyte/ neutrophil isolation, flow-cytometry and immuno-fluorescent staining, phagocytosis assays, as well as standard techniques in cell culture and analysing data from clinical studies.