Vivax malaria divalent vaccine development research using next-generation recombinant viral vector

We will use a next-generation recombinant viral vector vaccine platform consisting of two types of viral vectors that we have independently developed to create a fusion antigen that exerts both protection against infection and prevention of transmission against Plasmodium vivax. We have completed the production of an expressible vivax vivax bivalent vaccine (Pv vaccine). (I) In vitro test: After confirming the expression of the vivax fusion antigen protein by Western blotting and the transduction expression in mammalian cells by the indirect fluorescent antibody method, the prepared Pv vaccine was sufficient in mammalian cells as planned. It was confirmed that it has the function of expressing vivax fusion antigen protein. (II) Evaluation of humoral immune response: As an in vivo test, Balb/c and C57BL/6 mice were immunized with the prepared Pv vaccine, and the humoral immunity induced by vaccination was confirmed by ELISA. It was confirmed that a significantly high antibody titer was produced in the group. Evaluation of protective effect against infection: Balb/c mice were immunized with Pv vaccine, and 4 weeks after the final immunization, a sporozoite challenge infection experiment with vivax vivax gene-recombinant mouse malaria parasites was performed. In a challenge model in which all 10 control mice were infected and always died, 90% (9/10) of the vaccine-immunized mice showed no symptoms of malaria, demonstrating a very high infection protection effect (currently (re-examination in progress).

*The title and description of the project has been machine translated into English. (Original in Japanese is available through this link)

Project details

P. vivax
Vaccines (Immune Correlates)

Apr 2021 — Mar 2025

$39,977

Japan

Towards a vaccine for Plasmodium vivax