Unit | Clinical Immunology

Our group focuses on systems-immunology-based approaches within the framework of Phase I to III clinical trials. We aim to identify surrogates of protection as well as host factors elicited by subunit and whole parasite vaccines against tuberculosis (TB) and malaria. Clinical trials are performed with our partners of the Ifakara Health Institute in Bagamoyo. Further, the unit develops novel diagnostic tools for paediatric clinical TB in high endemic countries.

Co-Morbidity

Co-morbidity studies analyse the impact of non-communicable diseases on immune responses against infectious diseases, particularly TB. Unit researchers also work to understand the consequences of helminth co-infections on malaria, TB and HIV pathogenesis and immunity.

Latest Publications

All Publications

Hügli D. The γδ T cell puzzle: understanding malaria immunity one molecule at a time. Allschwil: Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 2025. MSc Thesis

Macià D et al. The effect of Plasmodium falciparum exposure and maternal anti-circumsporozoite protein antibodies on responses to RTS,S/AS01E vaccination in infants and children: an ancillary observational immunological study to a phase 3, randomised clinical t. Lancet Infect Dis. 2025;25(3):335-345. DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(24)00527-9

Milando F.A et al. Pharmacokinetics of a novel piperaquine dispersible granules formulation under fasting and various fed conditions versus piperaquine tablets when fasted in healthy tanzanian adults: a randomized, phase I study. Clin Transl Sci. 2025;18(2):e70133. DOI: 10.1111/cts.70133

Scalsky R et al. Whole-genome sieve analysis: identification of protective malaria antigens by leveraging allele-specific vaccine efficacy. Vaccine. 2025;50:126783. DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2025.126783

Billingsley P.F et al. A paradigm for Africa-centric vaccine development in Equatorial Guinea. Trends Parasitol. 2024;40(5):362-366. DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.03.005