Influenza virus-like particle vaccine containing both apical membrane antigen 1 and microneme-associated antigen proteins of Plasmodium berghei confers protection in mice

Background Apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) and microneme-associated antigen (MIC) of Plasmodium parasites are important factors involved in host cell invasion. Methods In this study, influenza VLP vaccines containing both codon-optimized AMA1 and MIC were generated and the vaccine efficacy was evaluated in mice. Results VLPs vaccine immunization elicited higher levels of parasite-specific IgG and IgG2a antibody responses in sera. CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells and germinal center B cells in blood, inguinal lymph nodes (ILN) and spleen were found to be significantly increased. Importantly, VLPs vaccination significantly reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, decreased parasitemia in blood, resulting in lower body weight loss and longer survival time compared to control. Conclusion These results indicated that VLPs containing P. berghei AMA1 and MIC could be a candidate for malaria blood-stage vaccine design.

Automated summary

The study showed that VLP vaccines containing AMA1 and MIC can induce higher levels of antibody responses and increase specific cell populations. VLP vaccination also suppressed inflammatory responses, reduced parasitic infection and related symptoms, demonstrating the potential as a blood-stage vaccine for malaria.