Developing vaccines to prevent malaria in pregnant women.
Expert Opin Biol Ther
; 15(8): 1173-82, 2015.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-26051589
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Placental malaria (PM) is a major public health problem that constitutes a significant health concern for the mother, and especially for the developing fetus and offspring. Current means of prevention have limitations, including a restricted window of intervention that excludes the first trimester of pregnancy, and the fact that very few drugs can be used for this purpose. The identification of the VAR2CSA antigen, specific to PM parasites, offers an excellent opportunity to develop a vaccine against this disease. Proof of concept of a first-generation vaccine is nearing completion, and two clinical trials are underway. AREAS COVERED This review focuses on PM, which is mainly caused by Plasmodium falciparum. The review highlights recent advances and the key milestones that led to the identification of the optimal vaccine target within the large VAR2CSA protein. The paper also points out how future improvements can strengthen this process to achieve an effective vaccine in the field. EXPERT OPINION The approach taken to develop a P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1-based vaccine to protect pregnant women is very promising in view of the current difficulties of achieving a sterilizing vaccine against malaria parasite. This approach could help us to control the deleterious effect of malaria infections that characterize severe clinical forms.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Plasmodium falciparum
/
Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez
/
Malária Falciparum
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Vacinas Antimaláricas
/
Descoberta de Drogas
Limite:
Female
/
Humans
/
Pregnancy
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Expert Opin Biol Ther
Assunto da revista:
BIOLOGIA
/
TERAPEUTICA
Ano de publicação:
2015
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
França