Characterization of antibody responses suggests that protection from malaria infection is associated with specific antibody functions beyond direct parasite neutralization. However, the specific correlates of immunity remain unknown. Investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School are working to profile the antibody response following immunization of human volunteers with RTS,S. They will utilize a broad range of assays to identify antibody sub-populations and activities most closely associated with protection. Advanced machine learning analysis will then be utilized to compile detailed “humoral profiles.” If successful, this information could be used to identify specific correlates of protection from malaria, helping to guide future vaccine development.

Related resources:

Kazmin D, Nakaya HI, Lee EK, Johnson MJ, Van der Most R, et al.
Systems analysis of protective immune response to RTS,S malaria vaccination in humans.
PNAS. 2017; 114(9).