Unbiased phage display screening identifies hidden malaria vaccine targets.

Malaria is among the deadliest infectious diseases. Over 200 million annual clinical malaria cases are reported and more than half a million people, mostly children, die every year. The most advanced RTS,S/AS01 vaccine based on the circumsporozoite protein (CSP), targets sporozoite liver infection but achieved modest efficacy.

Peptide selection via phage display to inhibit -macrophage interactions.

Introduction: Leishmaniasis comprises a complex group of diseases caused by protozoan parasites from the genus, presenting a significant threat to human health. Infection starts by the release into the skin of metacyclic promastigote (MP) form of the parasite by an infected sand fly. Soon after their release, the MPs enter a phagocytic host cell.

female gamete surface HSP90 is a key determinant for fertilization.

fertilization, an essential step for the development of the malaria parasite in the mosquito, is a prime target for blocking pathogen transmission. Using phage peptide display screening, we identified MG1, a peptide that binds to male gametes and inhibits fertilization, presumably by competing with a female gamete ligand. Anti-MG1 antibodies bind to the female gamete surface and, by doing so, also inhibit fertilization.

TC1 symbiont suppresses malaria transmission by anopheline mosquitoes.

Malaria control demands the development of a wide range of complementary strategies. We describe the properties of a naturally occurring, non-genetically modified symbiotic bacterium, TC1, which was isolated from mosquitoes incapable of sustaining the development of parasites. TC1 inhibits early stages of development and subsequent transmission by the mosquito through secretion of a small-molecule inhibitor.