PfSPZ Challenge (NF135.C10)

Plasmodium falciparum NF135.C10 sporozoites are a specific clone of the malaria parasite isolate NF135, originating from Cambodia. These sporozoites are purified, aseptic, and cryopreserved for use in clinical settings, primarily for Controlled Human Malaria Infection (CHMI) studies. Unlike the more common NF54 (African) strain, NF135.C10 is utilized to assess the efficacy of vaccines and prophylactic drugs against heterologous, Southeast Asian strains of malaria, which often exhibit different antigenic profiles and drug resistance patterns. When administered via direct venous inoculation (DVI), the sporozoites travel to the liver, infect hepatocytes, and initiate the pre-erythrocytic stage of the malaria life cycle. This strain is also utilized in the development of chemo-attenuated vaccines (PfSPZ-CVac), where live sporozoites are administered alongside an antimalarial drug like chloroquine or pyrimethamine to induce a robust, protective immune response without causing clinical disease.

Brand names

PfSPZ Challenge

Other names

Plasmodium falciparum NF135.C10 sporozoitescryopreserved Plasmodium falciparum NF135.C10 sporozoitesaseptic purified cryopreserved Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites NF135.C10PfSPZ-CVac (NF135.C10)