Optimization of an in vivo model to study immunity to Plasmodium falciparum pre-erythrocytic stages.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The circumsporozoite protein (CSP) of Plasmodium is a key surface antigen that induces antibodies and T-cells, conferring immune protection in animal models and humans. However, much of the work on CSP and immunity has been developed based on studies using rodent or non-human primate CSP antigens, which may not be entirely translatable to CSP expressed by human malaria parasites, especially considering the host specificity of the different species.

Methods

Using a genetically engineered strain of Plasmodium berghei that expresses luciferase, GFP and the Plasmodium falciparum orthologue of CSP, the effect of laboratory preparation, mosquito treatment and mouse factors on sporozoite infectivity was assessed using an in vivo bioluminescence assay on mice. This assay

SUBMITTER: Flores-Garcia Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6918627 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature