Abstract
With the completion of the functional genome, merozoite proteome and stage-specific transcriptomes of the intraerythrocytic developmental cycle of Plasmoidum falciparum, the development of new vaccine candidates targeting Plasmodium merozoites is now possible. Here we report using protein array technology to detect antibody responses to Plasmodium merozoite proteins by screening the serum of Plasmodium-exposed individuals. A total of 138 genes encoding P. falciparum merozoite proteins were cloned using the In-Fusion cloning method and expressed using a wheat germ cell-free system (WGCF). These proteins were then screened with serum from Plasmodium-exposed individuals and unexposed subjects using protein arrays. A total of 30 highly immunoreactive merozoite antigens were identified (21.7% of 138 target proteins), including 10 well-characterized blood-stage vaccine candidates for P. falciparum. In addition, we report for the first time 7 proteins (MSP3.5, MRSP2, ETRAMP11.2, ETRAMP14.1 and RALP1, and two hypothetical proteins PFA0210c and PF14_0572) as being immunologically reactive. These novel Plasmodium merozoite antigens may be potential vaccine candidates for blood-stage malaria, and warrant further study.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
