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An effective malaria vaccine remains a global health priority and vaccine immunogens which prevent transmission of the parasite will have important roles in multi-component vaccines. One of the most promising candidates for inclusion in a transmission-blocking malaria vaccine is the gamete surface protein Pfs48/45, which is essential for development of the parasite in the mosquito midgut. Indeed, antibodies which bind Pfs48/45 can prevent transmission if ingested with the parasite as part of the mosquito bloodmeal. Here we present the structure of full-length Pfs48/45, showing its three domains to form a dynamic, planar, triangular arrangement. We reveal where transmission-blocking and non-blocking antibodies bind on Pfs48/45. Finally, we demonstrate that antibodies which bind across this molecule can be transmission-blocking. These studies will guide the development of future Pfs48/45-based vaccine immunogens.

Original publication

DOI

10.1038/s41467-022-33379-6

Type

Journal article

Journal

Nat Commun

Publication Date

24/09/2022

Volume

13

Keywords

Animals, Antibodies, Blocking, Antibodies, Protozoan, Malaria Vaccines, Malaria, Falciparum, Membrane Proteins, Plasmodium falciparum, Protozoan Proteins