Abstract
The erythrocyte binding ligand 140 (EBA-140) is a member of the Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte binding antigens (EBA) family, which are considered as prospective candidates for malaria vaccine development. EBA proteins were identified as important targets for naturally acquired inhibitory antibodies. Natural antibody response against EBA-140 ligand was found in individuals living in malaria-endemic areas. The EBA-140 ligand is a paralogue of the well-characterized P. falciparum EBA-175 protein. They both share homology of domain structure, including the binding region (Region II), which consists of two homologous F1 and F2 domains and is responsible for ligand–erythrocyte receptor interaction during merozoite invasion. It was shown that the erythrocyte receptor for EBA-140 ligand is glycophorin C-a minor human erythrocyte sialoglycoprotein. In studies on the immunogenicity of P. falciparum EBA ligands, the recombinant proteins are of great importance. In this report, we have demonstrated that the recombinant baculovirus-obtained EBA-140 Region II is immunogenic and antigenic. It can raise specific antibodies in rabbits, and it is recognized by natural antibodies present in sera of patients with malaria, and thus, it may be considered for inclusion in multicomponent blood-stage vaccines.
Highlights
Malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum is one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality globally accounting for above a half million deaths each year (Miller et al 2013; WHO 2014)
We have demonstrated that the recombinant baculovirus-obtained erythrocyte binding ligand 140 (EBA-140) Region II is immunogenic and antigenic, since it can raise specific antibodies in rabbits and it is recognized by natural antibodies present in sera of patients with malaria
It was shown that baculovirus-obtained Region II and its truncated form-F2 domain fragment obtained in bacteria are recognized by polyclonal rabbit antibodies raised against the whole erythrocyte binding antigens (EBA) Region II in monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) adjuvant (Rydzak et al 2012) (Fig. 1)
Summary
Malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum is one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality globally accounting for above a half million deaths each year (Miller et al 2013; WHO 2014). It is the most frequently imported acute, life-threatening tropical disease in international travelers (Luthi and Schlagenhauf 2015). P. falciparum merozoite antigens which play a pivotal role in the recognition and invasion of the parasite into human red blood cells are likely targets of protective immune responses (Ahmed Ismail et al 2014; Crompton et al 2014; Fowkes et al 2010; Osier et al 2008; Richards et al 2013).
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have