Journal
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
Volume 13, Issue 1, Pages -Publisher
NATURE PORTFOLIO
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33379-6
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Funding
- Medical Research Council [MR/R001138/1]
- European Union [733273]
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease/NIH
- H2020 Societal Challenges Programme [733273] Funding Source: H2020 Societal Challenges Programme
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Researchers have determined the structure of the Pfs48/45 protein, a potential candidate for a malaria vaccine, and identified antibodies that can block transmission of the parasite. These findings will help in developing future Pfs48/45-based vaccines.
An effective malaria vaccine remains a global health priority and vaccine immunogens which prevent transmission of the parasite will have important roles in multi-component vaccines. One of the most promising candidates for inclusion in a transmission-blocking malaria vaccine is the gamete surface protein Pfs48/45, which is essential for development of the parasite in the mosquito midgut. Indeed, antibodies which bind Pfs48/45 can prevent transmission if ingested with the parasite as part of the mosquito bloodmeal. Here we present the structure of full-length Pfs48/45, showing its three domains to form a dynamic, planar, triangular arrangement. We reveal where transmission-blocking and non-blocking antibodies bind on Pfs48/45. Finally, we demonstrate that antibodies which bind across this molecule can be transmission-blocking. These studies will guide the development of future Pfs48/45-based vaccine immunogens. Pfs48/45, a surface protein of Plasmodium falciparum, is a promising anti-malarial vaccine candidate whose structure is not entirely resolved. Here, the authors present the structure of the full-length molecule, and characterise the binding and activity of transmission blocking antibodies.
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