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Published on: May 6, 2015
Malaria vaccines: focus on adenovirus based vectors
Nathaniel J Schuldt1, Andrea Amalfitano
1Graduate Program in Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
Abstract:
Protection against malaria through vaccination is known to be achievable, as first demonstrated over 30 years ago. Vaccination via repeated bites with Plasmodium falciparum infected and irradiated mosquitoes provided short lived protection from malaria infection to these vaccinees. Though this method still remains the most protective malaria vaccine to date, it is likely impractical for widespread use. However, recent developments in sub-unit malaria vaccine platforms are bridging the gap between high levels of protection and feasibility. The current leading sub-unit vaccine, RTS,S (which consists of a fusion of a portion of the P. falciparum derived circumsporozoite protein to the Hepatitis B surface antigen), has demonstrated the ability to induce protection from malaria infection in up 56% of RTS,S vaccinees. Though encouraging, these results may fall short of protection levels generally considered to be required to achieve eradication of malaria. Therefore, the use of viral vectored vaccine platforms has recently been pursued to further improve the efficacy of malaria targeted vaccines. Adenovirus based vaccine platforms have demonstrated potent anti-malaria immune responses when used alone, as well when utilized in heterologous prime boost regimens. This review will provide an update as to the current advancements in malaria vaccine development, with a focus on the use of adenovirus vectored malaria vaccines.
Insights
Malaria vaccination can be achieved using irradiated mosquitoes or subunit vaccines like RTS,S. Adenovirus vectored vaccines show promise for improved malaria protection and eradication efforts.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Malaria vaccination has been possible for over 30 years, with whole parasite vaccination offering the highest protection but lacking practicality.
- Subunit vaccines, such as RTS,S, have shown moderate success but may not reach levels needed for malaria eradication.
- Viral vectored vaccines, particularly adenovirus-based platforms, are being explored to enhance malaria vaccine efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current advancements in malaria vaccine development.
- To focus on the potential of adenovirus vectored vaccine platforms for malaria.
- To assess strategies for improving malaria vaccine efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on malaria vaccine development.
- Analysis of data on subunit malaria vaccines (e.g., RTS,S).
- Evaluation of studies utilizing adenovirus vectored vaccines against malaria.
Main Results:
- Whole parasite vaccination (irradiated mosquitoes) provides significant but impractical protection.
- The RTS,S subunit vaccine induces protection in up to 56% of recipients.
- Adenovirus vectored vaccines demonstrate potent anti-malaria immune responses, alone or in prime-boost regimens.
Conclusions:
- Adenovirus vectored vaccines represent a promising platform for enhancing malaria vaccine efficacy.
- Further development of these platforms could contribute to malaria eradication goals.
- Combining different vaccine strategies may be key to achieving higher protection levels.
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