Characterization of Antibodies to Sporozoites in Plasmodium falciparum Malaria and Correlation with Protection
Abstract
The antibody response to sporozoites of Plasmodium falciparum and the role of these antibodies in protection against malaria have not been systematically investigated. An understanding of antisporozoite antibodies in natural infection is, however, important to the development of a human malaria vaccine. In a prospective study in Thailand, an antibody response to sporozoites was observed only in individuals who developed parasitemia. Antibodies were detected against an epitope in the repeat region of the circumsporozoite (CS) protein. Current candidate sporozoite vaccines are based on CS repeat antigens. The CS antibody response was of low magnitude, peaked after detection of parasitemia, and had a serum half-life of less than 1 month. CS antibody boosting occurred in only 6% of reinfected individuals. These observations suggest that antisporozoite antibody is poorly developed under natural conditions and appears not to protect against development of malaria.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA194997
Entities
People
- A. E. Brown
- B. Permpanich
- C. Chuenchitra
- H. K. Webster
- J. Pipithkul
Organizations
- Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences