Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jiachen Lu, Ruilin Chu, Yi Yin, Huijie Yu, Qinwen Xu, Bo Yang, Yifan Sun, Jing Song, Qiubo Wang, Jiahui Xu, Feng Lu, Yang Cheng
Summary: This study identifies an important mechanism of parasite invasion into host erythrocytes by discovering the specific receptor, ankyrin 1 and band 3 membrane protein, that interacts with the erythrocyte binding protein GAMA. The study also shows the sensitivity of the GAMA interaction with band 3 to the protease chymotrypsin. Additionally, the study demonstrates the inhibitory effect of antibodies against band 3 loop 5 on GAMA binding to erythrocytes and the invasion of Plasmodium falciparum merozoites.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Nan Hou, Shanshan Li, Ning Jiang, Xianyu Piao, Yu Ma, Shuai Liu, Qijun Chen
Summary: The study uncovered the developmental transcriptome of asexual parasites of P. falciparum and identified a group of previously unknown merozoite proteins that may play crucial roles in the invasion process of merozoites.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Alfred B. Tiono, Nirianne Marie Q. Palacpac, Edith Christiane Bougouma, Issa Nebie, Alphonse Ouedraogo, Sophie Houard, Nobuko Arisue, Flavia D'Alessio, Toshihiro Horii, Sodiomon B. Sirima
Summary: The study evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of the BK-SE36 malaria vaccine in two cohorts of children. The results showed that uninfected individuals had higher antibody levels compared to infected individuals after vaccination.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Christabel N. Hikaambo, Natalia Shakela, John G. Woodland, Kathryn J. Wicht, Kelly Chibale
Summary: Zoonotic and related infections pose a significant health threat to Africa, the world's second-most populous continent. Despite the challenges faced by drug discovery scientists, recent progress in identifying potential medicines across diverse disease areas brings optimism and indicates African-led scientific initiatives are making progress.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Jacqueline S. Eacret, Elizabeth M. Parzych, Donna M. Gonzales, James M. Burns
Summary: The use of PfMSP8 as a carrier to optimize a PfMSP2-based subunit malaria vaccine showed promising results in terms of antibody production and T cell recognition. The choice of adjuvant impacted the specificity and functionality of induced antibodies.
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Julie Healer, Jennifer K. K. Thompson, Karen L. L. Mackwell, Cecille D. D. Browne, Benjamin A. A. Seager, Anna Ngo, Kym N. N. Lowes, Sarah E. E. Silk, David Pulido, Lloyd D. W. King, Jayne M. M. Christen, Amy R. R. Noe, Vinayaka Kotraiah, Paul J. J. Masendycz, Rajkannan Rajagopalan, Leanne Lucas, Marianne M. M. Stanford, Lorraine Soisson, Carter Diggs, Robin Miller, Susan Youll, Kaye Wycherley, Simon J. J. Draper, Alan F. F. Cowman
Summary: This study assessed the potential of a protein-in-adjuvant blood stage malaria vaccine based on a combination of RH5, Ripr, and CyRPA. The results showed that this vaccine could induce highly inhibitory parasite neutralizing antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Anne S. Knudsen, Kasper H. Bjornsson, Maria R. Bassi, Melanie R. Walker, Andreas Kok, Bogdan Cristinoi, Anja R. Jensen, Lea Barfod
Summary: Monoclonal antibodies specific to PfCyRPA were found to neutralize the in vitro growth of Ghanaian field isolates and laboratory-adapted parasite lines, with subsets of mAbs binding to distinct sites on PfCyRPA showing potentiated neutralizing effects when combined. Additionally, combinations of PfCyRPA- and PfRh5-specific mAbs were demonstrated to act synergistically to neutralize parasite growth, highlighting the importance of targeting defined protective epitopes on multiple parasite antigens to improve blood-stage vaccine efficacy.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Eizo Takashima, Hikaru Nagaoka, Ricardo Correia, Paula M. Alves, Antonio Roldao, Dennis Christensen, Jeffrey A. Guderian, Akihisa Fukushima, Nicola K. Viebig, Hilde Depraetere, Takafumi Tsuboi
Summary: This study validates the potential of adjuvanted PfRipr5 as an asexual blood-stage malaria vaccine candidate, with PfRipr5/CAF (R) 01 being a promising formulation for subsequent pre-clinical and clinical development.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Bridget E. Barber, Azrin N. Abd-Rahman, Rebecca Webster, Adam J. Potter, Stacey Llewellyn, Louise Marquart, Nischal Sahai, Indika Leelasena, Geoffrey W. Birrell, Michael D. Edstein, G. Dennis Shanks, David Wesche, Joerg J. Moehrle, James S. McCarthy
Summary: A single oral dose of tafenoquine is effective against blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum infection, but prior screening for glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is necessary due to the estimated dose required to clear asexual parasitaemia being >= 460 mg (in adults).
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Rebecca Webster, Silvana Sekuloski, Anand Odedra, Stephen Woolley, Helen Jennings, Fiona Amante, Katharine R. Trenholme, Julie Healer, Alan F. Cowman, Emily M. Eriksson, Priyanka Sathe, Jocelyn Penington, Adam J. Blanch, Matthew W. A. Dixon, Leann Tilley, Michael F. Duffy, Alister Craig, Janet Storm, Jo-Anne Chan, Krystal Evans, Anthony T. Papenfuss, Louis Schofield, Paul Griffin, Bridget E. Barber, Dean Andrew, Michelle J. Boyle, Fabian de Labastida Rivera, Christian Engwerda, James S. McCarthy
Summary: A genetically attenuated blood-stage malaria vaccine was developed and tested in healthy volunteers, showing immunogenicity but causing significant parasitemia at high doses.
Article
Microbiology
Amed Ouattara, Ankit Dwivedi, Matthew Adams, Amadou Niangaly, Matthew B. Laurens, Myaing M. Nyunt, Christopher Plowe, Abdoulaye Djimde, Shannon Takala-Harrison, Joana C. Silva
Summary: Failure to account for genetic diversity of antigens during vaccine design may lead to vaccine escape. To evaluate the vaccine escape potential of antigens, this study analyzed the genetic diversity and T-cell epitopes of Plasmodium falciparum pre-erythrocytic-stage antigens using whole-genome sequence data from field isolates. The findings identified representative protein variants and potential immunogenic T-cell epitopes, providing insights for the rational design of a multivalent malaria vaccine.
Article
Parasitology
Pornpawee Sookpongthai, Korawich Utayopas, Thassanai Sitthiyotha, Theerakamol Pengsakul, Morakot Kaewthamasorn, Kittikhun Wangkanont, Pongchai Harnyuttanakorn, Surasak Chunsrivirot, Sittiporn Pattaradilokrat
Summary: This study investigated the global diversity of Pfs25 in P. falciparum populations, identifying 11 unique haplotypes, with H1 and H2 as the major haplotypes. The distribution patterns of these haplotypes varied across different geographical populations, with limited polymorphism likely due to negative selection.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
M. R. Gaudinski, N. M. Berkowitz, A. H. Idris, E. E. Coates, L. S. A. Holman, F. Mendoza, I. J. Gordon, S. H. Plummer, O. Trofymenko, Z. Hu, A. Campos Chagas, S. O'Connell, M. Basappa, N. Douek, S. R. Narpala, C. R. Barry, A. T. Widge, R. Hicks, S. F. Awan, R. L. Wu, S. Hickman, D. Wycuff, J. A. Stein, C. Case, B. P. Evans, K. Carlton, J. G. Gall, S. Vazquez, B. Flach, G. L. Chen, J. R. Francica, B. J. Flynn, N. K. Kisalu, E. Capparelli, A. McDermott, J. R. Mascola, J. E. Ledgerwood, R. A. Seder
Summary: This study evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of a new long-acting monoclonal antibody CIS43LS against malaria. Results showed that administration of CIS43LS effectively prevented malaria after controlled infection, and there was a dose-dependent relationship between serum concentrations of CIS43LS and protective efficacy.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Barbara de Oliveira Baptista, Ana Beatriz Lopes de Souza, Luana Santos de Oliveira, Hugo Amorim dos Santos de Souza, Jenifer Peixoto de Barros, Lucas Tavares de Queiroz, Rodrigo Medeiros de Souza, Linda Eva Amoah, Susheel Kumar Singh, Michael Theisen, Rodrigo Nunes Rodrigues-da-Silva, Evelyn Kety Pratt Riccio, Paulo Renato Rivas Totino, Josue da Costa Lima Junior, Claudio Tadeu Daniel-Ribeiro, Lilian Rose Pratt-Riccio
Summary: The GMZ2.6c malaria vaccine candidate is a multi-stage protein that shows immunogenicity and immunodominance in individuals exposed to malaria. It contains fragments of Pfs48/45-6C protein fused to GMZ2, which consists of the N-terminal region of GLURP and the C-terminal region of MSP-3. The identified epitopes of GMZ2.6c, P11 and DG210, induced significant antibody responses and may play a role in the acquisition of protective immunity.
Article
Biology
Benjamin Liffner, Juan Miguel Balbin, Gerald J. Shami, Ghizal Siddiqui, Jan Strauss, Sonja Frolich, Gary K. Heinemann, Ella May Edwards, Arne Alder, Jan Stephan Wichers, Darren J. Creek, Leann Tilley, Matthew W. A. Dixon, Tim-Wolf Gilberger, Danny W. Wilson
Summary: The protein PfCERLI2 is essential for the invasion and growth of the Plasmodium falciparum parasite within human red blood cells. It localizes to the cytosolic face of the parasite's rhoptry bulb and plays important roles in rhoptry biology during merozoite invasion.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Chopaka Thongbamrer, Purichaya Teerakantrakorn, Ussanee Nongpong, Nuttapon Apiratikul, Wanlapa Roobsoong, Nawapol Kunkeaw, Wang Nguitragool, Jetsumon Sattabongkot, Boon-ek Yingyongnarongkul
Summary: T-shaped spermine-based cationic lipids with identical and nonidentical hydrophobic tails of different carbon lengths were synthesized and evaluated for their DNA binding and transfection ability. These lipids were formulated into cationic liposomes and used as non-viral vectors for gene delivery in various cell lines. Lipid ST15 with nonidentical tails showed potent gene transfer ability under serum conditions, outperforming the commercially available transfection agent Lipofectamine 3000 in efficiency and cytotoxicity.
ORGANIC & BIOMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Seong-Kyun Lee, Leanne M. Low, John F. Andersen, Lee M. Yeoh, Paola Carolina Valenzuela Leon, Damien R. Drew, Johannes S. P. Doehl, Eric Calvo, Louis H. Miller, James G. Beeson, Karthigayan Gunalan
Summary: This study used a transgenic parasite to investigate the invasion process mediated by PvAMA1. The findings showed that PfRON2 had no effect on the invasion of transgenic parasites expressing PvAMA1, while PvRON2p blocked the invasion of PvAMA1 transgenic parasites. Additionally, the study revealed that PvAMA1 directly interacts with erythrocytes during invasion, and the invasion blocking by PvRON2p may be due to its interference with PvAMA1 binding to erythrocytes.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jan Stephan Wichers-Misterek, Annika M. Binder, Paolo Mesen-Ramirez, Lilian Patrick Dorner, Soraya Safavi, Gwendolin Fuchs, Tobias L. Lenz, Anna Bachmann, Danny Wilson, Friedrich Frischknecht, Tim-Wolf Gilberger
Summary: The unique three-membrane pellicle is a key feature driving the transition between different life cycle stages of the malaria parasite. A novel subpellicular microtubule-associated protein, SPM3, was identified in the genus Plasmodium. Knockout of this protein resulted in malformed gametocytes and aberrant microtubules in Plasmodium falciparum, while in Plasmodium berghei, it caused perturbed microtubule architecture, aberrant sporozoite motility, and decreased transmission efficiency.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Donya Eghrari, Michelle J. L. Scoullar, Alyce N. N. Wilson, Elizabeth Peach, Arthur Elijah, Pele Melepia, Hadlee SupSup, Lisa M. M. Vallely, Peter M. M. Siba, Elissa C. C. Kennedy, Joshua P. P. Vogel, Caroline S. E. Homer, Leanne J. J. Robinson, Freya J. I. Fowkes, William Pomat, Brendan S. S. Crabb, James G. G. Beeson, Christopher J. J. Morgan
Summary: Knowledge of newborn danger signs among women in Papua New Guinea is very low, which may hinder their ability to seek timely medical care. Antenatal and postnatal education, as well as policies supporting women and their families in education and decision-making, are urgently needed.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2023)
Correction
Immunology
Bruce D. Wines, Liriye Kurtovic, Halina M. Trist, Sandra Esparon, Ester Lopez, Klasina Chappin, Li-Jin Chan, Francesca L. Mordant, Wen Shi Lee, Nicholas A. Gherardin, Sheila K. Patel, Gemma E. Hartley, Phillip Pymm, James P. Cooney, James G. Beeson, Dale I. Godfrey, Louise M. Burrell, Menno C. van Zelm, Adam K. Wheatley, Amy W. W. Chung, Wai-Hong Tham, Kanta Subbarao, Stephen J. Kent, P. Mark Hogarth
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Damien R. Drew, Danny W. Wilson, Gretchen E. Weiss, Lee M. Yeoh, Isabelle G. Henshall, Brendan S. Crabb, Sheetij Dutta, Paul R. Gilson, James G. Beeson
Summary: The binding of AMA1 to RON2 is not essential for invasion and additional AMA1 interactions are involved. Antibodies targeting AMA1 domain 3 had greater invasion-inhibitory activity when RON2-loop binding was ablated, suggesting this domain is a promising additional target for vaccine development.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Priyanka Barua, Michael F. Duffy, Laurens Manning, Moses Laman, Timothy M. E. Davis, Ivo Mueller, Ali Haghiri, Julie A. Simpson, James G. Beeson, Stephen J. Rogerson
Summary: In children from Papua New Guinea with severe or uncomplicated malaria, antibody recognition of homologous but not heterologous isolates was boosted in convalescence and showed variations with ABO blood group. Patterns of var gene transcription distinguished severe from uncomplicated malaria. ABO blood group may influence antibody acquisition to VSAs and susceptibility to severe malaria.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tony Triglia, Stephen W. Scally, Benjamin A. Seager, Michal Pasternak, Laura F. Dagley, Alan F. Cowman
Summary: The authors characterized the function of the aspartic protease PMX and its role in activating the PCRCR complex, which is involved in erythrocyte invasion by Plasmodium falciparum. This study provides important insights into the essential role of PMX and the fine regulation of PCRCR function in P. falciparum biology.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Minami Baba, Mamoru Nozaki, Mayumi Tachibana, Takafumi Tsuboi, Motomi Torii, Tomoko Ishino
Summary: The protein RON4 plays a crucial role in the infection of liver by Plasmodium parasites. It is involved in the crossing of sinusoidal cells and invasion of hepatocytes, contributing to the sporozoite's ability to adhere and move. This finding provides important insights into the invasion mechanisms of Apicomplexa parasites.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hitoshi Otsuki, Osamu Kaneko, Daisuke Ito, Yoko Kondo, Hideyuki Iriko, Tomoko Ishino, Mayumi Tachibana, Takafumi Tsuboi, Motomi Torii
Summary: Plasmodium malaria parasites use EBL ligands to invade erythrocytes, and a single amino acid substitution within the EBL C-terminal Cys-rich domain caused mislocalization of this molecule and alteration of the infection course and virulence. Transgenic P. yoelii lines with substitutions of Cys residues in EBL region 6 showed mislocalizations, higher parasitemias, and changes in virulence. The results indicate the importance of Cys residues in EBL region 6 for EBL localization, parasite infection course, and virulence.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Alyce N. Wilson, Pele Melepia, Rose Suruka, Priscah Hezeri, Dukduk Kabiu, Delly Babona, Pinip Wapi, Alison Morgan, Joshua P. Vogel, James Beeson, Christopher Morgan, Angela Kelly-Hanku, Michelle J. L. Scoullar, Somu Nosi, Lisa M. Vallely, Elissa Kennedy, Meghan A. Bohren, Caroline S. E. Homer
Summary: This study aimed to understand the perspectives and experiences of community members regarding maternal and newborn care in East New Britain, Papua New Guinea. The findings revealed that the community faced challenges in accessing care due to understaffed and under-resourced facilities. Good communication and competent, caring, and respectful healthcare workers were highlighted as important by the community. Understanding the community's perception of care quality is crucial for designing effective interventions.
BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Infectious Diseases
James G. Beeson, Jo-Anne Chan
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Eliza M. Davidson, Michelle J. L. Scoullar, Elizabeth Peach, Christopher J. Morgan, Pele Melepia, D. Herbert Opi, Hadlee Supsup, Priscah Hezeri, Wilson Philip, Dukduk Kabiu, Kerryanne Tokmun, Rose Suruka, Ruth Fidelis, Arthur Elijah, Peter M. Siba, William Pomat, Benishar Kombut, Leanne J. Robinson, Brendan S. Crabb, Elissa Kennedy, Philippe Boeuf, Julie A. Simpson, James G. Beeson, Freya J. I. Fowkes
Summary: Pregnant women in resource-limited settings are highly susceptible to anemia and iron deficiency. The etiology of postpartum anemia remains poorly defined. Iron deficiency accounts for a significant proportion of anemia during pregnancy and postpartum. Early iron supplementation during and between pregnancies could break the cycle of chronic anemia in women of reproductive age.
CELL REPORTS MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Sophie Samuel, Wen Li, Koren Dunn, Jennifer Cortes, Thuy Nguyen, Daniel Moussa, Abhay Kumar, Thanh Dao, James Beeson, H. Alex Choi, Louise D. McCullough
Summary: This study aimed to compare the prevalence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in ICU patients receiving either unfractionated heparin (UFH) or enoxaparin for VTE prophylaxis. The results showed no significant differences in the prevalence and severity of DVT and PE between the two groups, but the mortality rate was higher in the UFH group.
JOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND THROMBOLYSIS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Sataporn Thongpoon, Wanlapa Roobsoong, Wang Nguitragool, Sadudee Chotirat, Takafumi Tsuboi, Eizo Takashima, Liwang Cui, Tomoko Ishino, Mayumi Tachibana, Kazutoyo Miura, Jetsumon Sattabongkot
Summary: This study aimed to investigate naturally acquired transmission-blocking immunity against Plasmodium vivax. The findings suggest that transmission-blocking immunity is primarily mediated by antibodies, with varying effectiveness against different parasite strains. These findings have implications for vaccine development.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)