Abstract Plasmodium vivax threatens half of the world’s population and is surprisingly resilient to on-going malaria elimination efforts, partially due to its unique characteristics and our poor understanding of its biology. Here, we propose to conduct state-of-the-art transcriptomic analyses using materials derived directly from Cambodian patients to rigorously assess the importance of red blood cell polymorphisms, host immunity and parasite factors in modulating the efficacy of red blood cell invasion and P. vivax intraerythrocytic development. Our studies will not only provide a better understanding of the fundamental molecular and cellular processes underlying blood stage P. vivax infections but will also provide a solid foundation to develop better malaria vaccines against this important but understudied human pathogen.

Narrative Many individuals living in endemic areas are partially protected against malaria but the mechanisms underlying this lower susceptibility remain poorly understood, especially as they relate to Plasmodium vivax. We propose to use novel genomic approaches, including the characterization of parasite gene expression at a single cell level, to study how P. vivax parasites invade and grow within red blood cells in Cambodian patients. Our studies will generate novel insights on the parameters regulating P. vivax blood stage infections and provide immediately-relevant clinical information to better control this important human pathogen.