Research summary
The mechanisms by which placental malaria (PM) causes poor outcomes in pregnancy are of relevance for human health. However, the specifics of this mechanism has yet to be fully explored. While a challenging question, a considerable limitation in addressing the question is the lack of appropriate model systems with which the pathologic characteristics of PM infection can be controlled, dissected, and studied. Our goal is to develop models to investigate the pathways by which pathologic interactions of P. falciparum with the trophoblast lead to placental stress and poor pregnancy outcome.

Funding: Trinity College, National Institutes of Health