Article
Immunology
Kazutoyo Miura, Thao P. Pham, Shwu-Maan Lee, Jordan Plieskatt, Ababacar Diouf, Issaka Sagara, Camila H. Coelho, Patrick E. Duffy, Yimin Wu, Carole A. Long
Summary: Monitoring the integrity of recombinant proteins is critical during the development of subunit vaccines. This study developed a sandwich ELISA-based in vitro potency assay, called the Antigen Integrity Assay (AIA), to monitor the potency of Pfs230 protein. The AIA demonstrated excellent precision, sensitivity, and high throughput, making it a useful tool for future subunit vaccine development.
Article
Immunology
Kazutoyo Miura, Eizo Takashima, Thao P. Pham, Bingbing Deng, Luwen Zhou, Wei-Chiao Huang, Ababacar Diouf, Yonas T. Gebremicale, Mayumi Tachibana, Tomoko Ishino, C. Richter King, Jonathan F. Lovell, Carole A. Long, Takafumi Tsuboi
Summary: This study identifies functional epitopes within the malaria transmission-blocking vaccine Pfs230, using antibody depletion and enrichment techniques. Multiple functional epitopes were found and the feasibility of using synthetic peptide antigens for a malaria TBV was established.
Article
Parasitology
Wenyan Gao, Yue Qiu, Liying Zhu, Xinxin Yu, Fan Yang, Muyan Chen, Gang He, Yinjie Liu, Liwang Cui, Fei Liu, Xiaotong Zhu, Yaming Cao
Summary: Dual-antigen malaria vaccines that target both pre- and post-fertilization antigens can provide a promising higher transmission-reducing activity compared to single antigens.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Medard Ernest, Thiago F. A. Rosa, Zarna Rajeshkumar Pala, Heather M. Kudyba, Brendan Sweeney, Timo Reiss, Gabriele Pradel, Joel Vega-Rodriguez
Summary: Plasmodium falciparum gametes and sporozoites hijack host plasminogen to evade complement attack and this mechanism may reduce the efficacy of vaccines.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Juliana Calit, Jessica E. Araujo, Bingbing Deng, Kazutoyo Miura, Xiomara A. Gaitan, Maisa da Silva Araujo, Jansen F. Medeiros, Carole A. Long, Anton Simeonov, Richard T. Eastman, Daniel Y. Bargieri
Summary: Safe and effective chemotherapeutics for blocking malaria transmission at the sexual stage of the parasite life cycle are limited. Primaquine is the only approved drug for transmission reduction, but its toxicity poses challenges to widespread use.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Shasha Yu, Jing Wang, Xue Luo, Hong Zheng, Luhan Wang, Xuesen Yang, Ying Wang
Summary: Malaria remains a widespread parasitic disease and poses a threat to underdeveloped areas. New control methods targeting the mosquito phase and direct killing of mosquitoes, as well as utilizing microorganisms like Wolbachia and gut flora, show potential in blocking malaria transmission.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Patrick E. Duffy
Summary: Pfs230 is currently the target of the most advanced candidate for a malaria transmission-blocking vaccine. It is expressed in the mosquito midgut and gametes lacking Pfs230 cannot bind to red blood cells. Human antibodies can lyse gametes in the presence of complement.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Joseph D. Challenger, Stijn W. van Beek, Rob ter Heine, Saskia C. van der Boor, Giovanni D. Charles, Merel J. Smit, Chris Ockenhouse, John J. Aponte, Matthew B. B. McCall, Matthijs M. Jore, Thomas S. Churcher, Teun Bousema
Summary: Transmission-blocking interventions, such as the monoclonal antibody TB31F, have been shown to be safe and effective in combating malaria. The administration of TB31F at 80% coverage over a 3-year period can significantly reduce clinical incidence of malaria, with higher reductions seen in high-transmission and low-transmission seasonal settings. Targeting school-aged children for this intervention can achieve the greatest reduction in cases. These findings highlight the potential of monoclonal antibodies as a valuable tool against malaria and provide important insights for public health planning.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Giulia Siciliano, Veronica Di Paolo, Dante Rotili, Rossella Migale, Francesca Pedini, Marialuisa Casella, Serena Camerini, Daniele Dalzoppo, Rob Henderson, Tonnie Huijs, Koen J. Dechering, Antonello Mai, Anna Maria Caccuri, Marco Lalle, Luigi Quintieri, Pietro Alano
Summary: This work investigates the activity of NBDHEX and its carboxylic acid metabolite on the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. NBDHEX shows strong activity against all blood stages of the parasite, with a higher potency against the gametocytes. Covalent modifications of gametocyte proteins are found to be associated with the antiparasitic effect of NBDHEX. Both NBDHEX and its metabolite have limited cytotoxicity in vitro, making them potential starting points for the development of new drugs to block malaria transmission.
Article
Immunology
Rebecca Webster, Hayley Mitchell, Jenny M. Peters, Juanita Heunis, Brighid O'Neill, Jeremy Gower, Sean Lynch, Helen Jennings, Fiona H. Amante, Stacey Llewellyn, Louise Marquart, Adam J. Potter, Geoffrey W. Birrell, Michael D. Edstein, G. Dennis Shanks, James S. McCarthy, Bridget E. Barber
Summary: A single low dose of tafenoquine can effectively reduce the transmission of Plasmodium falciparum parasites to mosquitoes, although there is a delay in its effect.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
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
Immunology
Gregory P. Howard, Nicole G. Bender, Prachi Khare, Borja Lopez-Gutierrez, Vincent Nyasembe, William J. Weiss, Jerry W. Simecka, Timothy Hamerly, Hai-Quan Mao, Rhoel R. Dinglasan
Summary: This study developed a nanoparticle-based malaria transmission blocking vaccine that successfully induced an immune response blocking parasite transmission by co-delivering UF6b and CpG oligodeoxynucleotide immunostimulatory sequence 1018. This nanovaccine platform allows for antigen dose-sparing and achieves immunopotentiation of AnAPN1 through direct lymph node targeting.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Charles Mulamba, Chris Williams, Katharina Kreppel, Jean Bosco Ouedraogo, Ally I. Olotu
Summary: This article discusses the immunological mechanisms underlying malaria transmission blocking, the status of Pfs25-based vaccines, and the approaches and capacity for first in-human evaluation in endemic settings. It is concluded that supporting low and middle income countries to conduct first-in human vaccine trials is crucial.
Article
Immunology
Roos M. de Jong, Susheel K. Singh, Karina Teelen, Marga van de Vegte-Bolmer, Geert-Jan van Gemert, Will J. R. Stone, Emily Locke, Jordan Plieskatt, Michael Theisen, Teun Bousema, Matthijs M. Jore
Summary: Researchers analyzed sera from naturally exposed individuals and found that the presence and/or intensity of antibodies against 12 novel putative surface expressed gametocyte antigens was associated with transmission reducing activity. Protein fragments of these antigens were successfully designed and expressed in different cells. All tested antigens were recognized by antibodies from individuals living in malaria-endemic areas and induced antigen-specific antibody responses in mice. However, none of these antigens induced an antibody response that reduced parasite development in the mosquito midgut.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Eizo Takashima, Mayumi Tachibana, Masayuki Morita, Hikaru Nagaoka, Bernard N. Kanoi, Takafumi Tsuboi
Summary: Efforts to control malaria have seen success in the past two decades, but have been complicated by the emergence of COVID-19. Developing more effective malaria vaccines, especially transmission-blocking vaccines, is vital for the goal of malaria elimination. Challenges in TBV development highlight the need for novel approaches and accelerated candidate discovery.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Fei Liu, Fan Yang, Yaru Wang, Minsheng Hong, Wenqi Zheng, Hui Min, Danni Li, Ying Jin, Takafumi Tsuboi, Liwang Cui, Yaming Cao
Summary: Pb22 is a conserved protein in Plasmodium species that is essential for male gametogenesis and transmission of the malaria parasite. Knockout of Pb22 results in a significant reduction in male gamete formation and transmission efficiency, while leaving female gametes unaffected. Further studies on Pb22 in human malaria parasites are needed.
CELLULAR MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Entomology
K. Chatpiyaphat, S. Sumruayphol, J. -P. Dujardin, Y. Samung, A. Phayakkaphon, L. Cui, J. Ruangsittichai, S. Sungvornyothin, J. Sattabongkot, P. Sriwichai
Summary: Geometric morphometry can be used to differentiate between Anopheles minimus and An. harrisoni with 90% accuracy. Reduction in wing size during the summer period in An. minimus does not impact the shape-based differentiation of An. harrisoni. Wing venation geometry is a key factor in distinguishing these cryptic species.
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Peter Haddawy, Saranath Lawpoolsri, Chaitawat Sa-Ngamuang, Myat Su Yin, Thomas Barkowsky, Anuwat Wiratsudakul, Jaranit Kaewkungwal, Amnat Khamsiriwatchara, Patiwat Sa-Angchai, Jetsumon Sattabongkot, Liwang Cui
Summary: The study found that pre-COVID-19, cross-village and cross-border movement were common in rural areas along the Thai-Myanmar border, but significantly decreased following the outbreak. During the government lockdown, mobility decreased by over 90% and cross-border movement was limited to short trips. After the lockdown was lifted, human mobility almost returned to normal levels.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jason Rosado, Michael T. White, Rhea J. Longley, Marcus Lacerda, Wuelton Monteiro, Jessica Brewster, Jetsumon Sattabongkot, Mitchel Guzman-Guzman, Alejandro Llanos-Cuentas, Joseph M. Vinetz, Dionicia Gamboa, Ivo Mueller
Summary: The study showed that transmission intensity plays a key role in the antibody response to P. vivax, with P. vivax SEMs accurately identifying recent infections in low transmission settings but having reduced effectiveness in high transmission settings.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Carola Schafer, Nicholas Dambrauskas, Laura M. Reynolds, Olesya Trakhimets, Andrew Raappana, Erika L. Flannery, Wanlapa Roobsoong, Jetsumon Sattabongkot, Sebastian A. Mikolajczak, Stefan H. Kappe, D. Noah Sather
Summary: This study developed a liver-humanized mouse model to experimentally assess the impact of a partially protective pre-erythrocytic vaccine on reducing Plasmodium vivax relapses. Results showed that although the antibody treatment did not completely prevent primary infection, it significantly reduced the number of relapses, indicating the potential for a partially efficacious vaccine in positive public health outcomes.
CELL HOST & MICROBE
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jenni Hietanen, Anongruk Chim-ong, Jetsumon Sattabongkot, Wang Nguitragool
Summary: As individuals age, the level of anti-RBP2P1 IgG increases while IgM decreases. The main IgG subtypes against RBP2P1 are IgG1 and IgG3, with a higher IgG3 seropositive rate in asymptomatic carriers. Higher levels of IgG3 correlate with enhanced in vitro complement fixing activity, suggesting a potential role of anti-RBP2P1 antibodies in immunity against P. vivax.
Article
Microbiology
Sadudee Chotirat, Narimane Nekkab, Chalermpon Kumpitak, Jenni Hietanen, Michael T. White, Kirakorn Kiattibutr, Patiwat Sa-angchai, Jessica Brewster, Kael Schoffer, Eizo Takashima, Takafumi Tsuboi, Matthias Harbers, Chetan E. Chitnis, Julie Healer, Wai-Hong Tham, Wang Nguitragool, Ivo Mueller, Jetsumon Sattabongkot, Rhea J. Longley
Summary: The study aimed to assess the ability of P. vivax serological exposure markers to detect residual transmission hot-spots in Western Thailand. Results showed that serological markers can serve as evidence of recent exposure and aid in identifying geographical areas with asymptomatic infection burdens.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chopaka Thongbamrer, Wanlapa Roobsoong, Jetsumon Sattabongkot, Praneet Opanasopit, Boon-ek Yingyongnarongkul
Summary: In this study, a series of L-shaped spermine-based cationic lipids with different hydrophobic chain lengths were designed and synthesized. The lipids with nonidentical hydrocarbon chains showed higher transfection efficiency compared to the identical analogues, and exhibited good transfection performance in different cell lines.
Article
Parasitology
Kamonchanok Bunmee, Urusa Thaenkham, Naowarat Saralamba, Alongkot Ponlawat, Daibin Zhong, Liwang Cui, Jetsumon Sattabongkot, Patchara Sriwichai
Summary: The study revealed that the population of An. minimus in Thailand is genetically divided into two lineages, with lineage A showing similar genetic structure between past and present populations, indicating high adaptability. There was substantial gene flow between eastern and western An. minimus populations.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Agnes Orban, Rhea J. Longley, Piyarat Sripoorote, Nongnuj Maneechai, Wang Nguitragool, Adam Butykai, Ivo Mueller, Jetsumon Sattabongkot, Stephan Karl, Istvan Kezsmarki
Summary: The RMOD method is effective in rapidly and quantitatively diagnosing malaria, particularly in detecting Plasmodium vivax infections. Trials conducted in different transmission regions have shown its high detection potential, even at low parasite densities. Furthermore, by correlating the magnitude of the magneto-optical signal with parasite density, it is possible to estimate the relative hemozoin production rates of different stages in Plasmodium vivax infections.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
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
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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ifra Hassan, Bernard N. Kanoi, Hikaru Nagaoka, Jetsumon Sattabongkot, Rachanee Udomsangpetch, Takafumi Tsuboi, Eizo Takashima
Summary: Malaria is a significant global health challenge, causing approximately 600,000 deaths each year. A study conducted in Thailand on individuals with partial immunity to malaria revealed that antibodies to certain antigens, particularly P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) domains, were significantly correlated with the absence of symptomatic malaria. These findings support previous research conducted in Uganda and highlight the importance of further characterizing these proteins for vaccine development.
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)
