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Vaccinating humans to protect mosquitoes from malaria

A new biotechnology advancement may boost the efficacy of a transmission-blocking vaccine (TBV) that prevents mosquitoes from spreading malaria. The vaccine, which induces humans to make malaria-attacking antibodies, could reduce malaria spread in sub-Saharan Africa where the disease kills over 400,000 people annually.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 8, 2018

Experimental malaria vaccine offers durable protection against many strains in NIH trial

A Phase 1 clinical trial found that the PfSPZ Vaccine protected 64% of healthy adults from a different malaria strain, while also inducing durable T cell responses. The vaccine showed cross-protection against multiple strains, providing hope for an effective malaria vaccine.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 21, 2017

Study: Experimental malaria vaccine plus chloroquine protects against controlled infection

An experimental malaria vaccine strategy, PfSPZ-CVac, combined with antimalarial medication protected all nine clinical trial volunteers given three high-dose vaccinations. The vaccine induced a response from T cells and identified 22 malaria parasite proteins that could be the targets of protective immune responses.

Early study shows RTS,S malaria vaccine efficacy may improve by changing dosing schedule

Researchers found that changing the dosing regimen of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine improved its efficacy to approximately 87%, compared to 63% with the current standard regimen. The new regimen was shown to delay infection longer and provide better protection against a second malaria-causing parasite exposure.

SourceWalter Reed Army Institute of Research·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateSep 6, 2016

Potential role for vaccine in malaria elimination

A new malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS01, has been developed to combat the disease. Despite waning efficacy in infants and young children, researchers argue that the vaccine could still be used in targeted strategies to interrupt transmission in low-endemic areas.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 12, 2016

3-D protein map offers new malaria vaccine hope

Scientists have created the first 3D 'map' of a critical protein used by Plasmodium vivax to infect human red blood cells. This discovery could lead to a vaccine targeting both the most prevalent and deadly malaria parasites. Understanding how the parasite enters red blood cells is essential for developing strategies to prevent malaria.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2016

Using mathematics to improve human health

Researchers used mathematical calculations to create a complete picture of protein nanoparticle surface morphology, identifying structures most advantageous for vaccine design. This approach may lead to the development of cost-effective vaccines, including a malaria vaccine set to start clinical testing soon.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateFeb 2, 2016

NIH-funded study reveals why malaria vaccine only partially protected children, infants

The NIH-funded study found that the RTS,S vaccine was most effective against malaria in children with the same protein variant, while a mismatch corresponded to lesser protection. The research used advanced genomic sequencing technology to investigate genetic variations in the CS protein, which may limit or restrict vaccine protection.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 22, 2015

Genomic study sheds light on protective effects of malaria vaccine candidate

A genomic study has uncovered key biological insights into the protective effects of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine candidate. The research found that genetic variation in the protein targeted by RTS,S influences its ability to ward off malaria in young children, with allele-specificity playing a crucial role in vaccine protection.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 21, 2015

Scientists identify potential vaccine candidate for pediatric malaria

Researchers have identified a substance, known as PfSEA-1, that generates antibodies which can hinder the ability of malaria parasites to multiply, potentially protecting against severe malaria infection. The antigen was associated with reduced parasite levels among children and adults in malaria-endemic areas, and mice exposed to PfSE...

Malaria severity not determined solely by parasite levels in blood

A recent NIH-funded study tracked Tanzanian children's risk of severe malaria over time, finding no simple relationship between parasite density and disease severity. The research suggests that even mild episodes of malaria may pose a significant risk of severe illness, contrary to previous mathematical models.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 7, 2014

Building a better malaria vaccine: Mixing the right cocktail

A new malaria vaccine candidate, Quadvax, has shown promise in overcoming major limitations of earlier designs. By combining AMA1 proteins from multiple strains, scientists have created a more broadly protective vaccine that elicits antibodies against both variable and conserved epitopes on the AMA1 protein.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 26, 2013