Posted on 06/18/2021 9:13:00 AM PDT by Red Badger
Recent advancements allow for novel approaches against an old enemy.
Scientists from the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and Naval Medical Research Center partnered with researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and Acuitas Therapeutics to develop a novel vaccine based on mRNA technology that protects against malaria in animal models, publishing their findings in npj Vaccines.
In 2019, there were an estimated 229 million cases of malaria and 409,000 deaths globally, creating an extraordinary cost in terms of human morbidity, mortality, economic burden, and regional social stability. Worldwide, Plasmodium falciparum is the parasite species that causes the vast majority of deaths. Those at highest risk of severe disease include pregnant women, children, and malaria naïve travelers. Malaria countermeasures development has historically been a priority research area for the Department of Defense as the disease remains a top threat to U.S. military forces deployed to endemic regions.
A safe, effective malaria vaccine has long been an elusive target for scientists. The most advanced malaria vaccine is RTS,S, a first-generation product developed in partnership with WRAIR. RTS,S is based on the circumsporozoite protein of P. falciparum, the most dangerous and widespread species of malaria parasite. While RTS,S is an impactful countermeasure in the fight against malaria, field studies have revealed limited sterile efficacy and duration of protection. The limitations associated with RTS,S and other first-generation malaria vaccines have led scientists to evaluate new platforms and second-generation approaches for malaria vaccines.
“Recent successes with vaccines against COVID-19 highlight the advantages of mRNA-based platforms — notably highly targeted design, flexible and rapid manufacturing and ability to promote strong immune responses in a manner not yet explored,” said Dr. Evelina Angov, a researcher at WRAIR’s Malaria Biologics Branch and senior author on the paper. “Our goal is to translate those advances to a safe, effective vaccine against malaria.”
Like RTS,S, the vaccine relies on P. falciparum’s circumsporozoite protein to elicit an immune response. However, rather than administering a version of the protein directly, this approach uses mRNA — accompanied by a lipid nanoparticle that protects from premature degradation and helps stimulate the immune system — to prompt cells to code for circumsporozoite protein themselves. Those proteins then trigger a protective response against malaria but cannot actually cause infection.
“Our vaccine achieved high levels of protection against malaria infection in mice,” said Katherine Mallory, a WRAIR researcher at the time of the article’s submission and lead author on the paper. “While more work remains before clinical testing, these results are an encouraging sign that an effective, mRNA-based malaria vaccine is achievable.”
Reference: “Messenger RNA expressing PfCSP induces functional, protective immune responses against malaria in mice” by Katherine L. Mallory, Justin A. Taylor, Xiaoyan Zou, Ishita N. Waghela, Cosette G. Schneider, Michael Q. Sibilo, Neeraja M. Punde, Leah C. Perazzo, Tatyana Savransky, Martha Sedegah, Sheetij Dutta, Chris J. Janse, Norbert Pardi, Paulo J. C. Lin, Ying K. Tam, Drew Weissman and Evelina Angov, 18 June 2021, npj Vaccines. DOI: 10.1038/s41541-021-00345-0
Research was conducted under an approved animal use protocol in an AAALAC International- accredited facility in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act and other federal statutes and regulations relating to animals and experiments involving animals and adheres to principles stated in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, NRC Publication, 2011 edition.
RE: Great News!....................... for mice!................
Yes. There’s also a cure for cancer — FOR MICE.
We already have drugs that will not cause after effects..and the cheap
The mice all die after 18-months, but that’s a small price to pay for immunity!
The real question is, have they cured cats for mice? My farm cat is killing mice by the genocide.
We need to help more mice!
Of mice and mice-men
Scientists are the leading cause of cancer among white rodents.
Your cat is desperately needed in Australia now.
Have the mice filed any VAERS reports yet?
But will the mice be dead, disabled or sterile in a month or two?
I hear mice are anxiously awaiting results of the coronavirus vaccine trials in humans.
Can the file a Class Action lawsuit?...................
Yes, it’s only in mice.
But developing safe and effective malaria vaccines has been a VERY elusive goal, so new approaches should be welcome. The mouse studies with the mRNA vaccine should be considered a first step!
I didn’t realize there was a pandemic of mice dying from malaria. Are they white mice or black mice? Is malaria racist?
I’m sure the taxpayer will be glad to hear that.
Another way to protect against malaria is to kill the mosquitoes that carry it. DDT still works. Now that “silent spring” has been debunked.
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