Role of NK Receptors in susceptibility and resistance to human malaria [ 2008 - 2010 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Daniel Schofield (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Campbell Witt ,  Prof Frank Christiansen (Inactive - Retired) ,  Prof Ivo Mueller

Brief description Malaria kills 2 million children every year. However, many eventually become resistant to the disease. What causes some kids to die, and how others become resistant, is unknown. We believe that genes for Natural Killer molecules in the immune system can protect people against malaria, but can also over-react in the wrong way and make things worse. We plan to investigate the role of Natural Killer genes in causing disease and also protecting in young children in Papua New Guinea against malaria.

Funding Amount $AUD 546,588.24

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant