Discovering the mechanisms and targets of immunity against malaria
Antibodies play a vital role in acquired immunity against malaria. While the mechanisms of protection are not well understood, this knowledge is crucial for developing highly effective malaria vaccines.
We're uncovering important roles for antibodies that can:
- directly inhibit host cell infection
- interact with immune cells to kill and clear malaria, or
- recruit the body’s complement system to neutralise infection.
Student opportunities
Discover how immune responses protect children from malaria
The aims of this project include:
- identifying key targets of protective immunity (specific antigens and epitopes)
- 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're interested in understanding how immune responses protect children from malaria.
Studies would focus on using innovative approaches to determine how antibodies neutralise and clear malaria parasites in the blood. This includes interactions with monocytes/macrophages, neutrophils, and natural killer cells. It also includes 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
- epitope mapping.
The project will be tailored to best match the student’s interests and training background.
Open to
- Honours
- Masters
- PhD
Vacancies
1
Supervisors
Project contacts
Main contact
Professor James Beeson
Deputy Director, Research Strategy; Head, Malaria Immunity and Vaccines Group; Adjunct Professor, Monash University
Student supervisor contacts
Professor James Beeson
Deputy Director, Research Strategy; Head, Malaria Immunity and Vaccines Group; Adjunct Professor, Monash University
Dr Linda Reiling
Senior Research Officer, Malaria Research: Immunity, Vaccines and New Therapies
Project team
Professor James Beeson
Deputy Director, Research Strategy; Head, Malaria Immunity and Vaccines Group; Adjunct Professor, Monash University
Dr Sandra Chishimba
Postdoctoral Researcher/Research Officer
Chrissie Collins
EA to Deputy Director
Professor Freya J.I. Fowkes
Deputy Program Director, Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health; Head, Malaria and Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Dr Elissa Kennedy
Co-Program Director, Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health; Co-Head Global Adolescent Health
Dr Linda Reiling
Senior Research Officer, Malaria Research: Immunity, Vaccines and New Therapies
