Antibodies to the N-terminal block 2 of Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 1 are associated with protection against clinical malaria

David R Cavanagh, Daniel Dodoo, Lars Hviid, Jørgen Kurtzhals, Thor G Theander, Bartholomew D Akanmori, Spencer Polley, David J Conway, Kojo Koram, Jana S McBride

81 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This longitudinal prospective study shows that antibodies to the N-terminal block 2 region of the Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP-1) are associated with protection against clinical malaria in an area of stable but seasonal malaria transmission of Ghana. Antibodies to the block 2 region of MSP-1 were measured in a cohort of 280 children before the beginning of the major malaria transmission season. The cohort was then actively monitored for malaria, clinically and parasitologically, over a period of 17 months. Evidence is presented for an association between antibody responses to block 2 and a significantly reduced risk of subsequent clinical malaria. Furthermore, statistical survival analysis provides new information on the duration of the effect over time. The results support a conclusion that the block 2 region of MSP-1 is a target of protective immunity against P. falciparum and, thus, a promising new candidate for the development of a malaria vaccine.
Original languageEnglish
JournalInfection and Immunity
Volume72
Issue number11
Pages (from-to)6492-502
Number of pages10
ISSN0019-9567
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2004

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