Grant: Operating Grant

Malaria remains a major threat to global health with an estimated 1-2 million associated fatalities per year. The problem of resistance to anti-malarial drugs and the absence of an efficacious vaccine have compounded the malaria problem. Genetic factors play an important role in the initial susceptibility to infection, progression of disease and ultimate outcome of malaria. Our laboratory uses mouse models of malaria to study genes and pathways that influence replication of the malarial parasite in the blood. We have discovered that mutations at PKLR, Pantetheinase, and Char10 loci alter susceptibility to malaria in mice. In this proposal, we will determine if alterations in the same pathways affect susceptibility to malaria in humans, and will explore of novel treatment strategies based on our findings in mouse models.