 Malaria challenge models can evaluate parasite growth and clearance, host pathogen interactions, immune response, diagnostic biomarkers, and vaccine targets. Recent advances include the use of alternate P-phalciparum strains, other species of plasmodia, attenuated strains, and pre-exposed individuals, enabling more thorough vaccine efficacy testing and informing rational vaccine development. This article was authored by Martha M. Cooper, Claire Loisot, James S. McCarthy, and others.