Research interests
I am passionate about the integration of bioinformatics, molecular biology, and immunology to understand the basic biology of malaria parasites and translational approaches to design interventions. My research interests range from big data analysis to functional investigations and vaccine design.
My PhD project focuses on the membrane-proximal region of the virulence-linked multivariant family, Plasmodium falciparum erythrocytemembrane protein 1 (PfEMP1). At this region, some PfEMP1 variants bind to serum proteins such as immunoglobulin M and α2-macroglobulin to streamline their topological organisation for engaging other host receptors while also masking the infected red blood cells from immune recognition. Of importance, the serum-protein adhesion phenotype has been associated with lethal malaria outcomes and my research aims to unravel its origin, evolution, and functional mechanisms with the intention of establishing potential avenues for intervention.
CV
2020 – Present
Wellcome Trust Hosts, Pathogens and Global Health 4-year PhD Programme – University of Edinburgh, UK
2019
GCRF Masters Exchange Programme in Parasitology – University of Glasgow, UK
2017 – 2019
MSc Biochemistry – KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme and Egerton University, Kenya
2012 – 2016
BSc Biochemistry – Egerton University, Kenya
Publications:
Omondi BR, Muthui MK, Muasya WI, Orindi B, Mwakubambanya RS, Bousema T, Drakeley C, Marsh K, Bejon P, Kapulu MC.Front Immunol. 2021 Antibody responses to crude gametocyte extract predict Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte carriage in Kenya. 11:609474. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.609474. eCollection 2020.PMID: 33633729 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2020.609474/full
Muthui MK, Takashima E, Omondi BR, Kinya C, Muasya WI, Nagaoka H, Mwai KW, Orindi B, Wambua J, Bousema T, Drakeley C, Blagborough AM, Marsh K, Bejon P, Kapulu MC. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2021 Characterization of naturally acquired immunity to a panel of antigens expressed in mature P. falciparum gametocytes. 11:774537. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.774537. eCollection 2021. PMID: 34869075 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2021.774537/full