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Updated: Jan 2, 2026
Generating Genetically Modified Plasmodium berghei Sporozoites
Published on: May 5, 2023
Protection induced by malaria virus-like particles containing codon-optimized AMA-1 of Plasmodium berghei
Dong-Hun Lee1, Ki-Back Chu1, Hae-Ji Kang1
1Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea.
Background:
Despite the extensive endeavours, developing an effective malaria vaccine remains as a great challenge. Apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA-1) located on the merozoite surface of parasites belonging to the genus Plasmodium is involved in red blood cell invasion.
Methods:
Influenza virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines containing codon-optimized or native (non-codon optimized) AMA-1 from Plasmodium berghei were generated. VLP-induced protective immunity was evaluated in a mouse model.
Results:
Mice immunized with VLP vaccine containing the codon-optimized AMA-1 elicited higher levels of P. berghei-specific IgG and IgG2a antibody responses compared to VLPs containing non-codon optimized AMA-1 before and after challenge infection. Codon-optimized AMA-1 VLP vaccination induced higher levels of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, B cells, and germinal centre cell responses compared to non-codon optimized AMA-1 VLPs. Importantly, the codon-optimized AMA-1 VLP vaccination showed lower body weight loss, longer survival and a significant decrease in parasitaemia compared to non-codon optimized VLP vaccination.
Conclusion:
Overall, VLP vaccine expressing codon-optimized AMA-1 induced better protective efficacy than VLPs expressing the non-codon optimized AMA-1. Current findings highlight the importance of codon-optimization for vaccine use and its potential involvement in future malaria vaccine design strategies.
Insights
Codon-optimized Apical Membrane Antigen 1 (AMA-1) in virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines significantly enhanced protective immunity against malaria in mice. This malaria vaccine strategy improved antibody responses and reduced parasite levels.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Developing an effective malaria vaccine is a significant global health challenge.
- Apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA-1) is crucial for Plasmodium parasite invasion of red blood cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines expressing codon-optimized or native AMA-1 from Plasmodium berghei.
- To assess the impact of codon optimization on vaccine-induced protective immunity.
Main Methods:
- Influenza virus-like particles (VLPs) were engineered to contain either codon-optimized or native AMA-1 from P. berghei.
- Vaccine efficacy was assessed in a mouse model, including antibody responses, cellular immunity, and protection against malaria challenge.
Main Results:
- Codon-optimized AMA-1 VLPs induced higher P. berghei-specific IgG and IgG2a antibody titers compared to non-codon-optimized AMA-1 VLPs.
- Vaccination with codon-optimized AMA-1 VLPs resulted in increased CD4+, CD8+ T cells, B cells, and germinal center responses.
- Codon-optimized AMA-1 VLP vaccination led to reduced parasitemia, less body weight loss, and prolonged survival in mice post-challenge.
Conclusions:
- Virus-like particle vaccines expressing codon-optimized AMA-1 demonstrate superior protective efficacy compared to those with non-codon-optimized AMA-1.
- Codon optimization is a critical factor for enhancing vaccine performance and should be considered in future malaria vaccine development.
