Safety, infectivity and immunogenicity of a genetically attenuated blood-stage malaria vaccine.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There is a clear need for novel approaches to malaria vaccine development. We aimed to develop a genetically attenuated blood-stage vaccine and test its safety, infectivity, and immunogenicity in healthy volunteers. Our approach was to target the gene encoding the knob-associated histidine-rich protein (KAHRP), which is responsible for the assembly of knob structures at the infected erythrocyte surface. Knobs are required for correct display of the polymorphic adhesion ligand P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1), a key virulence determinant encoded by a repertoire of var genes.

Methods

The gene encoding KAHRP was deleted from P. falciparum 3D7 and a master cell bank was produced in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice. Eight malaria naïve m

SUBMITTER: Webster R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8606250 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature