Scientists from JNU develop new malaria vaccine
- In Reports
- 06:10 PM, May 23, 2024
- Myind Staff
Scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) have identified a potential vaccine candidate in the fight against malaria, as reported in the iScience journal by Cell Press. Their research suggests that targeting the parasite's Prohibitin protein could lead to more effective prevention and treatment strategies against the disease.
Malaria, a vector-borne illness transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito, continues to pose a significant health threat worldwide, including in India. Despite global efforts, the World Health Organization's 2022 report highlights the persistence of the disease, with millions of cases and thousands of deaths annually.
The parasite's capacity to develop resistance to anti-malarial medications, along with the lack of an effective vaccine, has impeded efforts to address this severe epidemic.
Led by Prof. Shailja Singh and Prof. Anand Ranganathan at the Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, JNU, the research has pinpointed a new host-parasite interaction complex that holds promise for developing an effective vaccine strategy.
Prof. Shailja Singh elaborated, "Our study has revealed a novel PHB2-Hsp70A1A receptor-ligand pair that facilitates parasite infection within the human host. Consequently, the parasite protein PHB2 emerges as a strong candidate for vaccine development."
Prohibitins form a family of proteins vital for various cellular functions, including regulating mitochondrial activity and the cell cycle.
The researchers found that the PfPHB2 protein, located on the surface of merozoites, interacts with the heat-shock protein Hsp70A1A on the surface of red blood cells. Interestingly, treatment with antibodies disrupted this interaction, leading to a complete halt in parasite growth.
Moreover, the study detected the presence of PfPHB2 antibodies in malaria patients from the Tripura region, an area historically plagued by the disease.
"The identification of PfPHB2 antibodies represents a significant breakthrough in malaria therapeutic research," remarked Manisha Marothia, the study's lead author and a Ph.D. student.
Profs. Anand and Shailja expressed their unwavering commitment to malaria eradication, emphasising the continual pursuit of scientific advancements in the field.
The Covid-19 pandemic had interrupted the research, leading to a surge in cases and fatalities. However, the current study's findings offer a promising avenue for combating drug resistance in parasites.
The team anticipates that further studies in mouse models will confirm their discoveries. Previously, the JNU team identified a novel approach to tackle malaria by targeting host lipids with an antitumour drug. Lipids play a crucial role in cellular functions, and the malaria parasite exploits certain lipid molecules for its growth and development.
Image source: India Today
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