The mechanisms and dynamics of malaria transmission blocking immunity

Humans can develop immunity against malaria parasites that passes into mosquitoes when they feed, and can break the cycle of malaria transmission by stopping mosquitoes from infecting more humans. We understand relatively little about this form of immunity, but it could be shaping the way malaria is transmitted, and importantly, it could be exploited to make vaccines to eliminate the disease. To do this, we must know more about how this immunity is acquired and maintained. During this fellowship, I propose to 1. Identify what human antibodies are linked to natural 'transmission-blocking' immunity, and develop tools to determine how much of an effect these have on malaria transmission. 2. Study this immunity over time, before and after malaria infections. 3. Investigate how humans form immunity that affects transmission, and how effective it is. This research would improve our understanding of malaria transmission, and provide valuable insight for vaccinologists.