Discovering the mechanisms and targets of immunity against malaria

Antibodies are an important component of acquired immunity against malaria, However, the mechanisms of protection and specific target epitopes of protective immunity are not well understood, yet this knowledge is crucial for developing highly effective vaccines against malaria. In recent studies, we have begun to uncover important roles for antibodies in malaria immunity. This includes their ability to directly inhibit host-cell infection, interact with immune cells to kill and clear malaria, or recruit serum complement proteins to neutralise infection.

The aims of this project include identifying key targets of protective immunity (specific antigens and epitopes) and quantifying the importance of specific mechanisms mediating immunity and how they mediate protection from malaria in children and adults living in malaria endemic regions. The project may combine detailed studies of immune responses with clinical and population studies in Africa, Asia, and Papua New Guinea. In particular, we are interested in understanding how immune responses protect children from malaria.

The studies would focus on using innovative approaches to determine how antibodies neutralise and clear malaria parasites in the blood, including interactions with monocytes/macrophages, neutrophils, and natural killer cells, and identifying specific epitopes targeted by protective antibodies. Skills may involve assays of functional immunity, cell culture, isolation and analysis of immune cells, flow cytometry, western blotting, ELISA, and epitope mapping. The project will be tailored to best match the student’s interests and training background.