Publications by authors named "M Massinga-Loembe"
Vaccination of malaria-naive volunteers with a high dose of Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites chemoattenuated by chloroquine (CQ) (PfSPZ-CVac [CQ]) has previously demonstrated full protection against controlled human malaria infection (CHMI). However, lower doses of PfSPZ-CVac [CQ] resulted in incomplete protection. This provides the opportunity to understand the immune mechanisms needed for better vaccine-induced protection by comparing individuals who were protected with those not protected.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: A human hookworm vaccine is being developed to protect children against iron deficiency and anaemia associated with chronic infection with hookworms. Necator americanus aspartic protease-1 (Na-APR-1) and N americanus glutathione S-transferase-1 (Na-GST-1) are components of the blood digestion pathway critical to hookworm survival in the host. Recombinant Na-GST-1 and catalytically inactive Na-APR-1 (Na-APR-1[M74]) adsorbed to Alhydrogel were safe and immunogenic when delivered separately or co-administered to adults in phase 1 trials in non-endemic and endemic areas.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Healthcare workers (HCW) are at higher risk of tuberculosis (TB) than the general population. We assessed healthcare facilities for their TB infection control standards and priorities.
Methods: A standardised tool was applied.
Article Synopsis
- Two hookworm vaccine candidates, Na-GST-1 and Na-APR-1, were tested in Gabon and found to be safe and able to induce overall immune responses during a Phase 1 trial.
- Blood samples from 24 volunteers showed that Na-GST-1 specifically increased CD4+ T cells producing immune-stimulating cytokines after the third vaccination, while Na-APR-1 did not induce similar responses.
- The study noted that blocking an inhibitory molecule called CTLA-4 led to a stronger immune response in cells responding to Na-GST-1, suggesting this pathway may help improve vaccine effectiveness.