Worldwide diversity and distribution of the malaria vaccine candidate MSP1-42: Implications for vaccine design

摘要

Background: Infection with the parasite Plasmodium falciparum is associated with the greatest burden of malarial disease worldwide. Despite much investment, an effective malaria vaccine remains elusive. Formation of multivalent subunit vaccines containing P. falciparum blood stage antigens known to be a target of the natural human immune response is a current vaccine strategy. The C-terminal fragment of the Merozoite Surface Protein 1 (MSP142) is such a vaccine candidate antigen. However the high levels of diversity in this antigen may restrict vaccine efficacy if not appropriately considered.