Last Updated: 10/05/2023
Structure-function analysis of Plasmodium vivax blood stage ligands for invasion – PvINV
Objectives
The objectives of this study are:
- To determine the structure of the PvDBP-DARC complex and map the binding site for DARC;
- To investigate the potential role of the PvDBP homolog, P. vivax erythrocyte binding protein (PvEBP), in mediating reticulocyte invasion;
- To explore the functional roles of novel P. vivax antigens that are structural homologs of the P. falciparum invasion protein, PfRH5; and
- To identify combinations of P. vivax invasion ligands that elicit synergistic invasion inhibitory antibodies as potential vaccine candidates for P. vivax.
Principal Institution
Principal Investigators / Focal Persons
Rationale and Abstract
Plasmodium vivax causes significant morbidity in the tropical world. A vaccine that protects against P. vivax and reduces transmission would help efforts to eliminate malaria. The P. vivax Duffy binding protein (PvDBP), a leading vaccine candidate, binds the Duffy antigen receptor (DARC) to mediate reticulocyte invasion by P. vivax merozoites.
External reference
Thematic Categories
Date
Sep 2021 — Mar 2025
Total Project Funding
$627,370
Funding Details
National Research Agency (ANR) France, France
Project number: ANR-21-CE15-0013
€571,750
Project Site
Deep Dives
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