Immunization of Aotus monkeys with recombinant proteins of an erythrocyte surface antigen of Plasmodium falciparum

Abstract

Recent studies have identified and characterized a ring-infected erythrocyte surface antigen (RESA) of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum with a relative molecular mass (Mr) of ~155,000 (refs 1-7). RESA is localized in the micronemes of merozoites and also the membrane of red cells infected with ring-stage parasites. It is thought to be released through the apical pore from the rhoptry at the time of merozoite invasion 5. Because antibodies directed against this antigen strongly inhibit parasite growth in vitro, RESA may be useful in developing a vaccine against this parasite4,5,7 Here we describe an immunization trial using Aotus monkeys and Escherichia coli-derived fused poly..