Identification and assessment of anti-malarial transmission blocking antigens

Plasmodium vivax is a major obstacle to malaria elimination and is the most geographically widespread human malaria parasite. Global efforts have been less successful at reducing the burden of P. vivax compared to P. falciparum. As a result, P. vivax is now the dominant malaria parasite throughout our region with our nearest neighbours, Papua New Guinea (PNG), accounting for 80% of all reported malaria cases in the Western Pacific Region. 

To achieve malaria elimination, vaccines that reduce the transmission of the parasite have the potential to play a key role in reducing the incidence of human malaria infection. Targeting Plasmodium parasites using transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) against the gametocyte, the parasite stage responsible for transmission from human to mosquito, is a powerful way to prevent transmission. 

As part of an international collaborative program, this project will identify the most efficacious gametocyte antigens to prioritise for TBV development, determine which gametocyte antigens induce a natural immune response in P. vivax endemic populations and evaluate novel vaccine candidates against P. vivax field isolates in PNG. Skills may involve cell culture, serological assays (ELISA and Luminex) and transmission blocking assays. This project will be tailored to best match student’s interests and training background.