Pre-erythrocytic antigens of Plasmodium falciparum: from rags to riches?

Trends Parasitol. 2003 Feb;19(2):74-8. doi: 10.1016/s1471-4922(02)00067-3.

Abstract

A growing number of Plasmodium genomes have joined the sequencing treadmill, and the genome of Plasmodium falciparum has recently been published. Most malaria vaccinologists will soon be confronted by a bewildering array of new potential antigens from the recently completed genome of this parasite. However, for those aiming to target the pre-erythrocytic stages of the hepatic parasite, the wait might be long. In the absence of readily available materials and specific reagents, the selection of pre-erythrocytic antigens from raw sequence data is likely to prove difficult. Here, current knowledge of pre-erythrocytic antigens is updated in the light of recent results, and the post-genomic prospects of completing the antigenic repertoire of these immunologically important and intriguing stages is discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Protozoan / genetics*
  • Antigens, Protozoan / immunology*
  • Erythrocytes / immunology
  • Erythrocytes / parasitology*
  • Genome, Protozoan
  • Humans
  • Liver / parasitology
  • Malaria, Falciparum / immunology*
  • Malaria, Falciparum / parasitology
  • Plasmodium falciparum / genetics
  • Plasmodium falciparum / growth & development
  • Plasmodium falciparum / immunology*

Substances

  • Antigens, Protozoan