Characterisation of immune responses to novel malaria pre-erythrocytic stage antigens (360G-Wellcome-202698_Z_16_Z)

The feasibility of malaria vaccination was initially established in mouse models 45 years ago by multiple immunisations of irradiated Plasmodium berghei sporozoites (gamma-PbSpz), which completely protected against parasite challenge. The elicited protection targets the pre-erythrocytic stages of the parasite, i.e. sporozoites and exo-erythrocytic forms (EEFs or liver stages), and is mediated primarily by cytotoxic (CD8+) T cells and neutralising antibodies. However, the paucity of endogenous antigenic targets for recognition by these immune effector mechanisms has limited in-depth characterisation of the mechanisms underlying sporozoite-induced protection. The circumsporozoite protein (CSP), the basis of the most advanced malaria vaccine candidate to date, is an immunodominant antigen only in the BALB/c immunisation and infection model. However, several lines of evidence suggest that protection against pre-erythrocytic stages can be independent of CSP-specific immune responses. These findings warrant the search for other antigenic targets against malaria pre-erythrocytic stages. The Hafalla group has made considerable advances in identifying novel targets of T cells and antibodies against malaria pre-erythrocytic stages. My goal is to characterise some antigens using defined immunological assays. This research endeavor will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of immune responses to malaria pre-erythrocytic stages and will reveal correlates of protection against this infection.

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Grant Details

Amount Awarded 1750
Applicant Surname Fernandes
Approval Committee Internal Decision Panel for C&S
Award Date 2016-04-01T00:00:00+00:00
Financial Year 2015/16
Grant Programme: Title Vacation Scholarships
Internal ID 202698/Z/16/Z
Lead Applicant Miss Victoria Fernandes
Partnership Value 1750
Planned Dates: End Date 2016-08-14T00:00:00+00:00
Planned Dates: Start Date 2016-06-15T00:00:00+00:00
Recipient Org: Country United Kingdom
Region Greater London