Graphic: Model of balancing selection between the malaria parasite and the host, driving selection for autoimmune traits.

©Hopp

Research funding

ERC grant for malaria and autoimmune research

Dr Christine Hopp, junior research group leader at BNITM, receives an ERC Consolidator Grant for her AUTOIMMPRINT project. Her hypothesis: mild autoimmunity appears to have a natural protective function against malaria. The aim is to gain a more detailed understanding of this relationship at the molecular and cellular level – for more effective vaccines and new therapies. The research is being conducted at BNITM and in Mali and Ghana.

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Graphic on the Stages of the Map-Xing study

©Samuel Pazicky et al., published in Nature Microbiology

Publication

Fundamental research into malaria

The proteome-wide profiling method MAP-X shows in unprecedented detail how proteins of the malaria parasite interact at different stages of development. The technology combines thermal proteome profiling with machine learning and reveals previously unknown complexes. This creates new insights into key biological processes and provides starting points for future therapies – even beyond malaria.

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©BNITM

Research project

Detecting malaria faster

Ah instead of ouch: A saliva test instead of the usual blood sample could simplify malaria diagnosis. The international collaboration project PROMISE is exploring whether a needle-free rapid test can reliably detect all malaria species. First studies are underway in Gabon. The goal is a simple, affordable test for use in high-burden regions and in settings where blood collection is difficult or not accepted.

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Elektronenmikroskopisches Bild von West-Nil-Viren

©BNITM

Publication

How blood donations help detect West Nile virus early

A research team at BNITM has developed a new method that can detect West Nile virus in blood donations even when only tiny traces are present, providing a highly effective early warning system. The data also show that the virus entered Germany several times and has become established in certain regions. The new technique strengthens public health surveillance and helps identify future outbreaks at an early stage.

Two fluorescence images in magenta, green and blue of the malaria parasite

©BNITM | Spielmann

Publication

Cell biology under the microscope: what parasites have in common

Researchers from Hamburg and Munich have simultaneously uncovered new details about the cellular architecture of malaria and toxoplasmosis pathogens. The teams from BNITM and LMU show how parasites use highly specialised transport systems to survive in host cells. Together, they paint a new picture of how parasites adapt old principles to their own biology and open up possible therapeutic approaches.

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©BNITM

Publication

"Underground mosquito" older than believed

A new study debunks the legend of the “London Underground Mosquito”. The urban mosquito Culex pipiens molestus did not emerge in London’s tube system in the mid-20th century, but more than 1,000 years ago in the ancient Middle East. This is shown by genomic analyses from an international research team with contributions from BNITM. The findings have been published in the journal Science.

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