Malaria Vaccines: Pfs25-Pfs25/ALHYDROGEL

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Though Pfs25 has been shown to induce antibodies that can block parasite development in mosquitoes, the protein is poorly immunogenic. Thus the major challenge facing Pfs25-based TBV development is to increase the immunogenicity and response longevity. Immunologists have know for long time that chemical cross-linking a poor protein immunogen to itself would increase its immunogenicity. In collaboration with Drs. John Robbins and Rachel Schneerson at the Laboratory of Developmental and Molecular Immunology of the NICHD, we are developing a conjugate vaccine consists of Pfs25-Pfs25 conjugates. Various conjugation chemistries and methods were evaluated for the highiest immunogenicity and the robust conjugation processes. The biochemical properties of the Pfs25-Pfs25 were characterized and the conjugates were evaluated in animals for their immunogenicity. The immune sera induced by the conjugate vaccine were tested for their ability to block parasite development in mosquitoes. A Phase 1 trial has been planned to test the safety, immunogenicity, and ex vivo transmission blocking activity in humans.