Immunization against malaria with a recombinant protein

Parasite Immunol. 1994 Feb;16(2):63-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.1994.tb00324.x.

Abstract

We have expressed in bacteria the C-terminal part of Plasmodium yoelii merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP1) containing the two epidermal growth factor-like domains. The protein, either alone or fused to glutathione S-transferase, was highly effective as a vaccine and protected mice against challenge infection. Reduction and alkylation abolished the protection obtained with the protein. This shows for the first time the absolute requirement of the disulphide-bonded conformation for immunogenicity. In a short term experiment, mice were protected against a massive challenge. The immunity was effective at the time of merozoite release/reinvasion. Recombinant protein based on this part of MSP1 may be suitable as a vaccine against malaria.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • DNA Primers
  • Epidermal Growth Factor / immunology
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Glutathione Transferase / immunology
  • Malaria Vaccines*
  • Merozoite Surface Protein 1
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Peptide Fragments / immunology
  • Plasmodium yoelii / immunology*
  • Protein Precursors / genetics
  • Protein Precursors / immunology
  • Protozoan Proteins / genetics
  • Protozoan Proteins / immunology
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / immunology
  • Vaccines, Synthetic*

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • Malaria Vaccines
  • Merozoite Surface Protein 1
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Protein Precursors
  • Protozoan Proteins
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Vaccines, Synthetic
  • Epidermal Growth Factor
  • Glutathione Transferase