Baculovirus-expressed constructs induce immunoglobulin G that recognizes VAR2CSA on Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes

Infect Immun. 2006 Jul;74(7):4357-60. doi: 10.1128/IAI.01617-05.

Abstract

We raised specific antisera against recombinant VAR2CSA domains produced in Escherichia coli and in insect cells. All were reactive in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, but only insect cell-derived constructs induced immunoglobulin G (IgG) that was reactive with native VAR2CSA on the surface of infected erythrocytes. Our data show that five of the six VAR2CSA Duffy-binding-like domains are surface exposed and that induction of surface-reactive VAR2CSA-specific IgG depends critically upon antigen conformation. These findings have implications for the development of vaccines against pregnancy-associated Plasmodium falciparum malaria.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Protozoan / immunology*
  • Antigens, Protozoan / metabolism*
  • Baculoviridae / genetics*
  • Erythrocytes / immunology*
  • Erythrocytes / parasitology*
  • Female
  • Genetic Vectors
  • Humans
  • Immune Sera / metabolism
  • Immunoglobulin G / biosynthesis*
  • Immunoglobulin G / genetics*
  • Immunoglobulin G / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Plasmodium falciparum / immunology*
  • Rabbits
  • Recombinant Proteins / immunology
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Antigens, Protozoan
  • Immune Sera
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • VAR2CSA protein, Plasmodium falciparum