Maternal antibodies and malaria protection in early childhood

Although infants are thought to be protected against malaria during the first months of life mainly due to maternal antibodies, malaria in early childhood is not uncommon in high-transmission settings. Susceptibility to the infections varies between individuals and, therefore, putting into questions the protective effect of maternal antibodies. In such a context, factors that modulate malaria risk/protection in early childhood are not fully understood and further field studies addressing the role of maternal antibodies are especially needed. To achieve these objectives, a 3-month placement in a centre of excellence with expertise in malaria immunology   is required. In this regard, Barcelona Institute for Global health (ISGlobal) will act as the host institution to provide me with the needed training (qSAT multiplex antibody detection using luminex platform, immune cells isolation, stimulation, phenotyping and quantification using flow cytometry, data quality control and analysis), facilities to analyses a set of cord blood samples (n=715) for maternal antibody detection, and the research environment to improve my communications skills. Upon the placement, a 3-month re- integration period will be used to complete statistical analysis, data interpretation and preparation for publication, to train peers on a set of immunological techniques and to continue the development of my follow-on project by taking into account research outputs during the placement. Overall, this preparatory fellowship will have both (i) scientific impact through contribution to knowledge on the role of maternal antibodies in malaria protection among infants living in malaria endemic settings, (ii) institutional impact through contribution to the preparedness of my home institution in conducting future immunological malaria studies and to strengthen relationships with ISGlobal, and (iii) individual impact through the consolidation of my skills and competence in malaria immunology research, the acquisition of competitiveness in attracting grants in the home organization (starting with my follow-on project) and the opportunity to establish one as an independent malaria researcher in the home institution at this early stage of  career development.

Project details

Vaccines (Immune Correlates)
Vulnerable Populations

May 2021 — Mar 2022

$84,145

Burkina Faso
Spain