Yellow Fever
NIH Researchers Discover Novel Class Of Anti-Malaria Antibodies - New Antibodies Could Lead To Generation Of Interventions Against Malaria
New antibodies could lead to the next generation of interventions against malaria.
January 5, 2025 – A novel class of antibodies that binds to a previously untargeted portion of the malaria parasite could lead to new prevention methods, according to a study from researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published today in Science. The most potent of the new antibodies was found to provide protection against malaria parasites in an animal model. The researchers say antibodies in this class are particularly promising because they bind to regions of the malaria parasite not included in current malaria vaccines, providing a potential new tool for fighting this dangerous disease.
(Pictured) Colorized scanning electron micrograph of red blood cell infected with malaria parasites (orange/red/yellow). The small bumps on the infected cell show how the parasite remodels its host cell by forming protrusions called 'knobs' on the surface, enabling it to avoid destruction and cause inflammation. Uninfected cells (teal) have smoother surfaces NIAID
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Although malaria is not common in the United States, its global impact is devastating, with 263 million cases and 597,000 deaths estimated by the World Health Organization in 2023. Of the five species of Plasmodium that cause malaria, Plasmodium falciparum is the most common in African countries where the burden of malaria is largest and where young children account for the majority of malaria deaths. Safe and effective countermeasures are critical for reducing the immense burden of this disease.
In recent years, new interventions have been developed against malaria, including vaccines that currently are being rolled out for young children in regions where the disease is prevalent. Anti-malarial monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are another promising new tool that have been shown to be safe and efficacious against infection with P. Falciparum in adults and children in early clinical trials. The anti-malarial mAbs evaluated in trials in malaria-endemic regions target the P. Falciparum sporozoite—the life stage of the parasite that is transmitted from mosquitoes to people. By binding to and neutralizing the sporozoite, the mAbs prevent sporozoites from infecting the liver, where they otherwise develop into blood-stage parasites that infect blood cells and cause disease and death.
The most promising anti-malarial mAbs tested in humans to date bind to a protein on the sporozoite surface called the circumsporozoite protein (PfCSP) at locations near to or containing amino acid repeats in a region called the central repeat region. This portion of PfCSP also is included in the two available malaria vaccines. The researchers in the current study aimed to find mAbs that target new sites on the sporozoite surface.
Led by scientists at NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the research team used a novel approach to find new portions—or epitopes—on the sporozoite surface where antibodies bind. They isolated human mAbs produced in response to whole sporozoites, rather than to specific parts of the parasite, and then tested the mAbs to see if they could neutralize sporozoites in a mouse model of malaria. One mAb, named MAD21-101, was found to be the most potent, providing protection against P. Falciparum infection in mice.
This new mAb binds to an epitope on PfCSP outside of the central repeat region that is conserved—or similar—between different strains of P. Falciparum. Notably, the epitope, called pGlu-CSP, is exposed only after a specific step in the development of the sporozoite, but it is widely accessible on the sporozoite surface—a scenario that the researchers say could mean pGlu-CSP would be effective at eliciting a protective immune response if used in a vaccine. As pGlu-CSP is not included in currently used malaria vaccines, mAbs targeting this epitope are unlikely to interfere with the efficacy of these vaccines if the vaccines and mAbs are co-administered. According to the scientists, this could provide an advantage because this new class of antibodies may be suitable to prevent malaria in at-risk infants who have not yet received a malaria vaccine, but may receive one in the future.
Findings from the study will inform future strategies for the prevention of malaria and may facilitate the development of new antibodies and vaccines against the disease, the researchers indicate. The scientists also note that more research is needed to examine the activity and effectiveness of the newly identified antibody class and epitope, according to their paper. The approach used in this study could also aid the development of a new generation of countermeasures against other pathogens, in addition to malaria.
Article: C Dacon, R Moskovitz et al. Protective antibodies target cryptic epitope unmasked by cleavage of malaria sporozoite protein. Science DOI: 10.1126/science.Adr0510 (2025) .
NIAID conducts and supports research—at NIH, throughout the United States, and worldwide—to study the causes of infectious and immune-mediated diseases, and to develop better means of preventing, diagnosing and treating these illnesses. News releases, fact sheets and other NIAID-related materials are available on the NIAID website.
About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.Nih.Gov.
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Source: NIH
India To Be Malaria-Free By 2030," Says Health MinistryTips To Reduce Your Risk
India has recently hit a milestone in its fight against malaria. The nation is now eyeing a malaria-free status by 2030. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported a dramatic reduction in malaria cases over the past 75 years. According to the report, at the time of India's independence in 1947, the nation grappled with over 75 million malaria cases annually. Fast forward to 2023, and that number has plummeted to just 2 million (20 lakh) cases. Similarly, malaria-related deaths have witnessed a sharp decline, from 800,000 per year in the late 1940s to only 83 in 2023.
Talking along these lines, the Union Health Ministry stated, "India is firmly on the path to eliminating malaria by 2030. This achievement will be a monumental milestone for public health in the country."
Tips To Reduce Your Risk of MalariaWhile India is having success in reducing malaria cases, we can take proactive steps to protect ourselves, especially in regions where the disease is still prevalent. In an exclusive interaction with Onlymyhealth, Dr Sampath Kumar, Paediatrician, at Kinder Hospital - Bengaluru shared how:
Also Read: Groundbreaking First Malaria Vaccine Shows Promise as Cases Surge Worldwide: Report
1. Use Mosquito NetsInsecticide-treated mosquitoes are a great and sure-shot way to mitigate malaria risk. "Sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net to minimise exposure to mosquito bites," shared Dr Kumar.
2. Apply Insect RepellentAnother way to stay protected from mosquitoes is by using repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin. This will not only help soothe the skin but also lower the chances of mosquito bites.
3. Wear Protective ClothingOpt for long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed-toe shoes, particularly during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Also Read: Malaria Cases In India Drop By 93%, Deaths Toll Down By 68%: WHO ReportHere's What Went Right
4. Eliminate Standing WaterMosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so regularly empty or cover water containers and keep your surroundings clean. Hence, always make sure to drink clean water and stay away from contaminated or stale water.
5. Install Screens and DoorsUse window and door screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
6. Seek Prompt TreatmentLast but not least, if you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, or headache, consult a healthcare provider immediately for early diagnosis and treatment.
BottomlineIndia's vision of becoming malaria-free by 2030 is surely a realistic goal. While the government continues to implement large-scale programs, it is our must also take personal responsibility to reduce the risk of malaria. Follow these tips to protect yourself before the fight against malaria actually cascades.
To Fight Off Malaria, The Brits Invented A World Classic Cocktail
A gin and tonic sitting on a silver tray next to half a lime. - Annie Otzen/Getty Images
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As if you needed any more reason to treat yourself to a crisp gin and tonic, did you know that its original purpose was to actually fight off deadly disease? Yep, turns out that drinking the refreshing cocktail was actually a survival tactic for 18th century British soldiers stationed in tropical areas who were facing the threat of malaria.
As stated in a paper published in Le Infezioni in Medicina, quinine, a compound from the bark of the cinchona tree, was known to prevent and treat the disease, but it came with an intense bitter taste. British officers, not known to shy away from innovation, began to mix quinine powder with sugar and soda to make it somewhat less unpleasant to drink. The result was what we now know as tonic water, which is not to be confused with seltzer or club soda. Still, the concoction wasn't a total hit...Yet.
The solution to get a bunch of British soldiers to start taking swigs of the medicine? Add some gin! The botanical spirit, which was already pretty popular back in Britain, became a natural pairing for tonic. British military doctors then took it a step further by adding lime or lemon peels to prevent the spread of scurvy, and thus, the classic G&T was born. Soon, it became a medicinal staple for British expatriates in malaria-prone areas. As per the Le Infezioni in Medicina paper, Winston Churchill -- a man who apparently used to drink gin straight -- once said, "Gin and tonic has saved more Englishmen's lives, and minds, than all the doctors in the Empire." And while the medicinal necessity of this drink has waned, its legacy lives on with gin and tonic firmly cemented as one of the world's classic cocktails.
Read more: We Tried TikTok's Tequila Apple Juice Cocktail And It Didn't Go As Planned
Two people clinking their gin and tonics together. - Aire Images/Getty Images
These days, the purpose of a gin and tonic is more for the sake of enjoyment rather than fighting disease. So, with survival no longer in the mix, how you craft your cocktail is all about creativity and personal taste. The first step in making the perfect G&T? Balance. Start by picking a gin with an alcohol content of at least 45% ABV so it holds its own against the tonic's flavors. When mixing, aim for two-parts tonic to one-part gin. This keeps the spirit's botanicals from overpowering the tonic's bitterness. Considering we now have a wide variety of tonics to choose from -- from citrusy to dry to sweet -- you'll want to be selective when picking what tonic pairs best with your gin, whether it's barrel-aged, more citrus-focused, or fruity.
Next: your garnish. The traditional lime wedge remains a fan favorite, but since we're not facing a major threat of scurvy anymore, you could try other garnishes like a slice of grapefruit or sprig of rosemary or thyme. Muddling cucumber or seasonal fruit adds some sophistication to the cocktail as well. But whether it's crisp and simple, creative and aromatic, or even a non-alcoholic blend that utilizes an exceptional alcohol-free gin, each sip of gin and tonic pays homage to the drink's origins in preventive medicine. So, raise your glass of G&T and cheers to health!
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