Whole-sporozoite malaria vaccines: where we are, where we are going

Abstract The malaria vaccination landscape has seen significant advancements with the recent endorsement of RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M vaccines, which target the pre-erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) infection. However, several challenges remain to be addressed, including the incomp...

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Main Authors: Diana Moita, Miguel Prudêncio
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer Nature 2024-09-01
Series:EMBO Molecular Medicine
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s44321-024-00131-0
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author Diana Moita
Miguel Prudêncio
author_facet Diana Moita
Miguel Prudêncio
author_sort Diana Moita
collection DOAJ
description Abstract The malaria vaccination landscape has seen significant advancements with the recent endorsement of RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M vaccines, which target the pre-erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) infection. However, several challenges remain to be addressed, including the incomplete protection afforded by these vaccines, their dependence on a single Pf antigen, and the fact that they were not designed to protect against P. vivax (Pv) malaria. Injectable formulations of whole-sporozoite (WSpz) malaria vaccines offer a promising alternative to existing subunit vaccines, with recent developments including genetically engineered parasites and optimized administration regimens. Clinical evaluations demonstrate varying efficacy, influenced by factors, such as immune status, prior exposure to malaria, and age. Despite significant progress, a few hurdles persist in vaccine production, deployment, and efficacy in malaria-endemic regions, particularly in children. Concurrently, transgenic parasites expressing Pv antigens emerge as potential solutions for PvWSpz vaccine development. Ongoing clinical studies and advancements in vaccine technology, including the recently described PfSPZ-LARC2 candidate, signify a hopeful future for WSpz malaria vaccines, which hold great promise in the global fight against malaria.
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spelling doaj-art-833ea4592cbc47068f6e3cfa5afd03722025-08-20T02:17:46ZengSpringer NatureEMBO Molecular Medicine1757-46842024-09-0116102279228910.1038/s44321-024-00131-0Whole-sporozoite malaria vaccines: where we are, where we are goingDiana Moita0Miguel Prudêncio1Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de LisboaInstituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de LisboaAbstract The malaria vaccination landscape has seen significant advancements with the recent endorsement of RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M vaccines, which target the pre-erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) infection. However, several challenges remain to be addressed, including the incomplete protection afforded by these vaccines, their dependence on a single Pf antigen, and the fact that they were not designed to protect against P. vivax (Pv) malaria. Injectable formulations of whole-sporozoite (WSpz) malaria vaccines offer a promising alternative to existing subunit vaccines, with recent developments including genetically engineered parasites and optimized administration regimens. Clinical evaluations demonstrate varying efficacy, influenced by factors, such as immune status, prior exposure to malaria, and age. Despite significant progress, a few hurdles persist in vaccine production, deployment, and efficacy in malaria-endemic regions, particularly in children. Concurrently, transgenic parasites expressing Pv antigens emerge as potential solutions for PvWSpz vaccine development. Ongoing clinical studies and advancements in vaccine technology, including the recently described PfSPZ-LARC2 candidate, signify a hopeful future for WSpz malaria vaccines, which hold great promise in the global fight against malaria.https://doi.org/10.1038/s44321-024-00131-0Plasmodium falciparumPlasmodium vivaxClinical EvaluationPfSPZVaccination Regimens
spellingShingle Diana Moita
Miguel Prudêncio
Whole-sporozoite malaria vaccines: where we are, where we are going
EMBO Molecular Medicine
Plasmodium falciparum
Plasmodium vivax
Clinical Evaluation
PfSPZ
Vaccination Regimens
title Whole-sporozoite malaria vaccines: where we are, where we are going
title_full Whole-sporozoite malaria vaccines: where we are, where we are going
title_fullStr Whole-sporozoite malaria vaccines: where we are, where we are going
title_full_unstemmed Whole-sporozoite malaria vaccines: where we are, where we are going
title_short Whole-sporozoite malaria vaccines: where we are, where we are going
title_sort whole sporozoite malaria vaccines where we are where we are going
topic Plasmodium falciparum
Plasmodium vivax
Clinical Evaluation
PfSPZ
Vaccination Regimens
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s44321-024-00131-0
work_keys_str_mv AT dianamoita wholesporozoitemalariavaccineswherewearewherewearegoing
AT miguelprudencio wholesporozoitemalariavaccineswherewearewherewearegoing