Indian and American researchers have discovered protein within the malarial parasite that may be useful for creating antibodies.
The protein is comprised of five amino acid segments, which are used to create energy out of glucose. This enolase protein is crucial for the parasite to grow and multiply.
A vaccine based on the novel nanoparticles of the protein may be the new way to stop malarial parasites from spreading throughout the body. The discovery shows that it may also be useful for inhibiting the disease’s transmission via mosquitoes.
“As enolase [the protein] was implicated in invasion of red blood cells of the host as well as the midgut of mosquitoes, antibodies against this small fragment can potentially have a dual benefit by blocking the multiplication cycle of the parasite in humans, as well as inhibiting transmission through mosquitoes,” Gotam Jarori, whose lab was used to conduct the study, said.
Millions of people around the world are affected by malaria. This discovery could change the way that scientists have approached malaria vaccines. It brings new hope to people who suffer from this debilitation and potentially fatal illness.
Approximately half a million people die from malaria each year. The disease has grown increasingly resistant to the anti-malarial drugs that are usually used to treat the disease.
