| Citation | Alan Cowman s work has provided understanding of molecular mechanisms used by the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum to evade lethal effects of antimalarial drugs. This has allowed monitoring of the geographic spread of drug-resistant malaria in endemic areas. He has also illuminated how the malaria parasite invades and renovates the erythrocyte, an important process for avoidance of host responses. He has led technology development in reverse genetics of P. falciparum, describing the first gene knockout in this organism, and is using this approach to identify critical vaccine candidates and to construct genetically attenuated parasites as potential vaccines. |