Generation of human monoclonal antibodies against infectious forms of Plasmodium vivax

Monoclonal antibodies have emerged as important candidates for the treatment and prevention of several diseases, including cancer, autoimmune diseases and, more recently, infectious diseases. Malaria remains the deadliest vector-borne infection worldwide and is caused by the inoculation of Plasmodium spp. sporozoites during the bite of an infected mosquito. Despite being responsible for more than 70% of malaria cases in Brazil, there is no vaccine available against Plasmodium vivax (Pv). Solutions for preventing/treating infection by this species are extremely relevant, especially in the context of the Brazilian reality. Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of a single dose of human monoclonal antibodies (hmAb) targeting the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf), the main surface protein of sporozoites, in completely blocking infection by Pf sporozoites. To achieve the objective, there will be an internship at The Rockefeller University, under the supervision of Dr. Michel Nussenzweig, who has extensive experience in this methodology and has made significant contributions in this area. Ultimately this proposal sets to produce and characterize hmAbs with neutralizing capacity against Pv sporozoites, contributing to the advancement of malaria research and therapeutic strategies.

Project details

P. vivax
Vaccines (Immune Correlates)

Jul 2024 — Jul 2025

Brazil