Abstract
The merozoite surface protein-2 (MSP-2) of Plasmodium falciparum comprises repeats flanked by dimorphic domains defining the allelic families FC27 and IC1. Here, we examined sequence diversity at the msp-2 locus in Brazil and its impact on MSP-2 antibody recognition by local patients. Only 25 unique partial sequences of msp-2 were found in 61 isolates examined. The finding of identical msp-2 sequences in unrelated parasites, collected 6-13 years apart, suggests that no major directional selection is exerted by variant-specific immunity in this malaria-endemic area. To examine antibody cross-reactivity, recombinant polypeptides derived from locally prevalent and foreign MSP-2 variants were used in ELISA. Foreign IC1-type variants, such as 3D7 (currently tested for human vaccination), were less frequently recognized than FC27-type and local IC1-type variants. Antibodies discriminated between local and foreign IC1-type variants, but cross-recognized structurally different local IC1-type variants. The use of evolutionary models of MSP-2 is suggested to design vaccines that minimize differences between local parasites and vaccine antigens.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adolescent
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Adult
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Aged
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Alleles
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Animals
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Antibodies, Protozoan / blood
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Antibodies, Protozoan / immunology*
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Antigens, Protozoan / chemistry
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Antigens, Protozoan / immunology*
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Base Sequence
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Brazil / epidemiology
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Child
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Child, Preschool
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Cross Reactions
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Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
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Female
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Genetic Variation
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Humans
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Immunoglobulin G / immunology
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Immunoglobulin M / immunology
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Infant
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Malaria, Falciparum / epidemiology
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Malaria, Falciparum / parasitology
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Plasmodium falciparum / genetics
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Plasmodium falciparum / immunology*
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Protozoan Proteins / chemistry
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Protozoan Proteins / immunology*
Substances
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Antibodies, Protozoan
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Antigens, Protozoan
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Immunoglobulin G
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Immunoglobulin M
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Protozoan Proteins
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merozoite surface protein 2, Plasmodium
Associated data
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GENBANK/AY331596
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GENBANK/AY331597
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GENBANK/AY331598
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GENBANK/AY331599
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GENBANK/AY331600
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GENBANK/AY331601
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GENBANK/AY331602
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GENBANK/AY331603
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GENBANK/AY331656