Abstract
Few gene products of P. falciparum have been investigated for relevance in generating antibody mediated immunity to clinical malaria. The antigens were chosen for abundance at the surface of the parasite stages, genetical variability and based on unreliable in vitro and animal studies. Investigators used recombinant antigens with the potential of deficient tertiary and quaternary structure and lacking post-translational modifications including glycosylation. Two-dimensional electrophoresis combined with immunoblotting using native proteins was found to detect immuno-relevant antigens against bacterial, fungal and parasitic microorganisms in previous studies. Conclusion Future research needs to employ the unbiased platform of two-dimensional electrophoresis combined with immunoblotting onto nitrocellulose, and detection of high avidity and cytophilic antibody responses in sera of clinically immune compared to patients with severe malaria, with identification of the immune-relevant antigens detected by mass spectrometry. This will enable development of a multi-epitope vaccine with a higher rate of protection.
Highlights
Introduction Research into immunisations againstPlasmodium (P.) falciparum has so far yielded vaccines providing partial protection against complications of malaria
Future research needs to employ the unbiased platform of two-dimensional electrophoresis combined with immunoblotting onto nitrocellulose, and detection of high avidity and cytophilic antibody responses in sera of clinically immune compared to patients with severe malaria, with identification of the immune-relevant antigens detected by mass spectrometry
Specific antibody subclass responses and immunity to clinical malaria The first experiments demonstrating the proof of principle of the role of antibodies in anti-plasmodial immunity in humans, were gamma-globulin transfer experiments from immune Gambian adults to children with asymptomatic P. falciparum parasitemia, resulting in a reduction to the parasite count to
Summary
Introduction Research into immunisations againstPlasmodium (P.) falciparum has so far yielded vaccines providing partial protection against complications of malaria. The aim of this review was to discuss the identification of protective antibody responses to blood stage antigens of P. falciparum. Materials and methods A narrative review of investigations into the role of antibodies in immunity to P. falciparum malaria was undertaken. A review of methods for detection of antigens relevant in anti-plasmodial immunity and of types of antibodies found to be associated with protection against complications of malaria was undertaken. Results Specific IgG1 and IgG3 but not global antibody responses to merozoite antigens have been associated with immunity to complications of P. falciparum malaria. The erythrocyte rupture may release numerous P. falciparum blood stage antigens.
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