Insights into Mechanisms and Targets of Human Immunity to Malaria to Advance Vaccine Development

Host: Associate Professor Brendan McMorran

Summary

Malaria remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally and despite encouraging reductions in the burden of malaria in the early 2000s, progress has stalled since 2015 and the malaria burden increased in 2020. Developing a highly protective and long-lasting malaria vaccine has been a long-term global health goal, but has proved extremely challenging to achieve. Using studies of naturally-acquired immunity and vaccine trials in malaria-endemic populations, we are defining mechanisms and targets of protective immunity and immune durability. We are using this knowledge to enable new strategies for generating potent, long-lasting, functional immunity against malaria.

Biography

James is a medical researcher and Public Health Physician (registered in Australia). He completed his medical degree at Monash University and subsequent Advanced Fellowship Training with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

After completing a PhD in 2001, he worked in the field of global health for over 20 years with a focus on infectious diseases and maternal and child health. His work includes research and public health activities in East and Central Africa, South East Asia and Papua New Guinea.

Currently, he leads Burnet’s Malaria Immunity and Vaccines Research Group and the Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies program of research and implementation activities on maternal and child health in Papua New Guinea. His work is aligned with relevant global goals set by the World Health Organization and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.