A LAIR1 insertion generates broadly reactive antibodies against malaria variant antigens.

ABSTRACT: Plasmodium falciparum antigens expressed on the surface of infected erythrocytes are important targets of naturally acquired immunity against malaria, but their high number and variability provide the pathogen with a powerful means of escape from host antibodies. Although broadly reactive antibodies against these antigens could be useful as therapeutics and in vaccine design, their identification has proven elusive. Here we report the isolation of human monoclonal antibodies that recognize erythrocytes infected by different P. falciparum isolates and opsonize these cells by binding to members of the RIFIN family. These antibodies acquired broad reactivity through a novel mechanism of insertion of a large DNA fragment between the V and DJ segments. The insert, which is both necessary and su

SUBMITTER: Tan J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4869849 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature