Title:Single-Dose Microparticle Delivery of a Malaria Transmission- Blocking Vaccine Elicits a Long-Lasting Functional Antibody Response
Volume: 13
Issue: 4
Author(s): R.R. Dinglasan, J.S. Armistead, J.F. Nyland, X. Jiang and H.Q. Mao
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Antigen, controlled release, immunity, malaria, midgut, mosquito, nanotechnology, natural boosting,
sexual stages, transmission-blocking vaccine
Abstract: Malaria sexual stage and mosquito transmission-blocking vaccines (SSM-TBV) have recently gained
prominence as a necessary tool for malaria eradication. SSM-TBVs are unique in that, with the exception of
parasite gametocyte antigens, they primarily target parasite or mosquito midgut surface antigens expressed
only inside the mosquito. As such, the primary perceived limitation of SSM-TBVs is that the absence of natural
boosting following immunization will limit its efficacy, since the antigens are never presented to the human
immune system. An ideal, safe SSM-TBV formulation must overcome this limitation. We provide a focused
evaluation of relevant nano-/microparticle technologies that can be applied toward the development of leading
SSM-TBV candidates, and data from a proof-of-concept study demonstrating that a single inoculation and
controlled release of antigen in mice, can elicit long-lasting protective antibody titers. We conclude by
identifying the remaining critical gaps in knowledge and opportunities for moving SSM-TBVs to the field.
