The main obstacle to a malaria vaccine: the malaria parasite

Vaccine. 1988 Apr;6(2):104-6. doi: 10.1016/s0264-410x(88)80008-2.

Abstract

The challenge to development of a malaria vaccine will be the variability of the sequences of target antigens. We discuss the variability in the T cell epitopes on the circumsporozoite protein of Plasmodium falciparum and the rapid selection of mutants after immunization with a protein from the asexual erythrocytic stage of P. knowlesi.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigenic Variation*
  • Antigens, Protozoan / immunology
  • Antigens, Surface / immunology
  • Mutation
  • Plasmodium / immunology*
  • Plasmodium falciparum / immunology
  • Protozoan Proteins*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Vaccines / immunology*

Substances

  • Antigens, Protozoan
  • Antigens, Surface
  • Protozoan Proteins
  • Vaccines
  • circumsporozoite protein, Protozoan