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Identification of an Immunogenic Broadly Inhibitory Surface Epitope of the Plasmodium vivax Duffy Binding Protein Ligand Domain

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: Vivax malaria is the second leading cause of malaria worldwide and the major cause of non-African malaria. Unfortunately, efforts to develop antimalarial vaccines specifically targeting Plasmodium vivax have been largely neglected, and few candidates have progressed into clinical trials. The Duffy binding protein is considered a leading blood-stage vaccine candidate because this ligand’s recognition of the Duffy blood group reticulocyte surface receptor is considered essential for infection. This study identifies a new target epitope on the ligand’s surface that may serve as the target of vaccine-induced binding-inhibitory antibody (BIAb). Understanding the potential targets of vaccine protection will be important for development of an effective vaccine.

Source: mSphere

DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00194-19