NIH researchers discover new class of malaria antibodies (19459000)
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Friday, January 3, 2020
The next generation of malaria interventions could be based on new antibodies.
Colorized scanning electron microscope image of a red blood cell containing malaria parasites (orange, yellow, and red). Infected cells have small bumps that show how the parasites remodel their host by creating protrusions, called "knobs," on the surface. This allows them to cause inflammation and avoid destruction. The surfaces of uninfected cells (colored teal) are smoother.NIAID
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Researchers at the National Institutes of Health published a new study today suggesting that a new class of malaria antibodies could be used to develop new prevention methods. Scientists are able to explain the origins of scienceIn an animal model, the most potent of these antibodies provided protection against malaria parasites. Researchers say antibodies of this type are particularly promising because they target regions of the parasites not covered by current malaria vaccines. This could provide a new weapon to fight this deadly disease.
Malaria can be a fatal disease. Plasmodium The parasites are transmitted by mosquitoes infected with the parasite. Malaria is rare in the United States, but its impact on the world is enormous. The World Health Organization estimates that 263 million cases of malaria and 597,000 deaths will occur by 2023. The five types of mosquitoes are: Plasmodium Malaria is a disease that can be caused by a number of factors. Plasmodium falciparum The most common form of the disease is malaria in Africa, where it is the biggest problem, and young children account for the majority of deaths. Safe and effective countermeasures will help reduce the burden this disease places on populations.
In recent years, new malaria interventions, such as vaccines, have been developed. These are currently being administered to young children living in areas where the disease is highly prevalent. Antimalarial monoclonal antibodies are also proving to be a promising tool. They have been shown to be safe and effective against malaria infection. P. falciparum First clinical trials in children and adults. In trials conducted in malaria-endemic areas, the antimalarial antibodies being evaluated target both adults and children. P. falciparum The sporozoite is the developmental stage of mosquito-borne parasites. Monoclonal antibodies neutralize the sporozoite and prevent it from entering the liver, where the parasites would otherwise infect the blood and cells.
The most promising antimalarial monoclonal antibodies tested in humans so far bind to amino acid residues near or within the central repeat region of the circumsporozoite (PfCSP), in locations close to the repeats. Both malaria vaccines also contain this portion of PfCSP. The researchers in this study sought to identify mAbs that target different sites on the sporozoite surface.
The team, led by scientists at the NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), used a novel approach to identify epitopes on the sporozoite surface to which antibodies can bind. The researchers isolated human mAbs that were produced in response to the entire parasite rather than specific parts, then tested them to see if the mAbs could neutralize the parasite in a mouse model of malaria. MAD21101 was the most potent mAb and provided protection against malaria. P. falciparum Infection in mice
The novel mAb binds to an epitope of PfCSP that is located outside the core repeat and conserved (or similar) between different strains P. falciparumThe researchers note that although the pGlu CSP epitope is only exposed after a certain stage, it can be found on the surface of the sporozoite. This could indicate that pGlu CSP is effective in eliciting a protective immune response if included in a malaria vaccine. mAbs that target pGlu CSP are unlikely to affect the effectiveness of malaria vaccines if given in conjunction with vaccines. Scientists believe this may be an advantage because this class of antibodies could be used to protect at-risk infants who may not have received a malaria vaccine but will receive one in the near future.
The researchers indicate that the study's findings could help inform future malaria prevention strategies and facilitate the development of new vaccines and antibodies against the disease. According to the scientists' article, further research will be needed to determine the efficacy and activity of the newly discovered class of antibodies. The approach of this study could be used to develop new countermeasures for other diseases, including malaria.
The article below provides more information about the item.
C Dacon, R Moskovitz The et allProtective antibodies are directed against cryptic antigens that have been revealed by cleavage in the proteins of malaria sporozoites. Scientists are able to explain the origins of science DOI:10.1126/science.adr0510 (2025).
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Joshua Tan, Ph.D., is the chief of the NIAID Antibody Biology Unit and can be contacted to discuss this research.
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