Human antibodies activate complement against Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites, and are associated with protection against malaria in children.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Antibodies targeting Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites play a key role in human immunity to malaria. However, antibody mechanisms that neutralize sporozoites are poorly understood. This has been a major constraint in developing highly efficacious vaccines, as we lack strong correlates of protective immunity.

Methods

We quantified the ability of human antibodies from malaria-exposed populations to interact with human complement, examined the functional effects of complement activity against P. falciparum sporozoites in vitro, and identified targets of functional antibodies. In children and adults from malaria-endemic regions, we determined the acquisition of complement-fixing antibodies to sporozoites and their relationship with antibody isotypes and subclasses. We

SUBMITTER: Kurtovic L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5925837 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature