Malaria Transmission Biology
Our research has led to the discovery of a mosquito-based malaria transmission-blocking vaccine (TBV) candidate (the AnAPN1 TBV), which has recently completed process development studies and is under consideration for First-In-Human trials in the near future.
Pictured: Plasmodium falciparum male gamete “exflagellating”
AnAPN1 Vaccine
It has been estimated that more than 1-2 million individuals succumb to Malaria every year, a majority of whom are children under the age of five. Plasmodium parasites, the causative agent of malaria, are transmitted to a vertebrate host by the infective bite of an Anopheles mosquito.
Pictured: AnAPN1 antigen’s N-terminal region depicting key antibody epitopes in purple, green, blue and red
Saliva-based Rapid Diagnostic Tests
Despite widespread malaria control efforts, residual malaria transmission continues to be observed, calling in to question whether the global malaria elimination goals can actually be achieved. A large proportion of this residual malaria parasite transmission is due to low numbers of parasites that cannot be detected by available blood-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) or microscopy.
Pictured: schematic of the saliva collection process
Arbovirus Transmission Biology
We conduct both basic and applied research studies in the context of understanding mosquito-transmitted arbovirus transmission biology. This research includes viral pathogen surveillance in mosquitoes and ticks, Florida-relevant vector competence studies, insect-specific virus acquisition modes, as well as mosquito immunology and viral infection dynamics.
Pictured: Aedes aegypti biting a finger. Image by Sean McCann
Contact Us
Learn more about the research in the Dinglasan Laboratory.
Latest News
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UF Malaria Researcher and Global Partners Win NIH Award for New International Center of Excellence
- Posted OnApril 24, 2024
- By EPI_User
The cooperative agreement, from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, will establish a new International Center of Excellence in Malaria Research (ICEMR) focused
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UF Professor of Infectious Diseases, Dr. Rhoel Dinglasan, discusses the new saliva COVID tests
- Posted OnAugust 20, 2021
- By EPI_User
Watch WCJB TV20 video here.
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First in human clinical trials of the AnAPN1 malaria transmission-blocking vaccine
- Posted OnMarch 31, 2021
- By EPI_User
Former director of the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Christian Loucq, M.D., says it is exciting to see Dinglasan’s concept moving toward a clinical trial. “There
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