Nanobody-mediated targeting of Plasmodium falciparum PfPIMMS43 can block malaria transmission in mosquitoes.

ABSTRACT: The transition from ookinete to oocyst is a critical step in the Plasmodium falciparum lifecycle and an important target for malaria transmission-blocking strategies. PfPIMMS43, a surface protein of P. falciparum ookinetes and sporozoites, is critical for this transition and aids the parasite in evading mosquito immune responses. Previous studies demonstrated that polyclonal PfPIMMS43 antibodies reduced P. falciparum infection in Anopheles mosquitoes. Here, building on these findings, we have developed high-affinity single-domain VHH antibodies (nanobodies) derived from llama heavy-chain-only antibodies. We have shown that these nanobodies bind both recombinant and endogenous PfPIMMS43 produced by P. falciparum ookinetes in the mosquito midgut. Importantly, they significantly reduce infect

SUBMITTER: Ukegbu CV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12041390 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature