Plasmodium vivax irradiated sporozoites

Plasmodium vivax irradiated sporozoites (PvRAS) are live, attenuated malaria parasites used as an experimental vaccine to induce immunity against P. vivax malaria. The attenuation is achieved by exposing infectious P. vivax sporozoites—typically delivered via the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes—to a specific dose of gamma irradiation, rendering them incapable of completing their life cycle in humans but still able to stimulate an immune response. Immunization with PvRAS has been shown in clinical trials to be safe and immunogenic, inducing sterile protection in a subset of volunteers (about 42% in one phase 2 trial). The mechanism involves the induction of both humoral and cellular immune responses targeting the pre-erythrocytic (liver) stage of the parasite's lifecycle[3][5]. This approach is under investigation as a potential vaccine strategy for preventing P. vivax malaria.

Other names

P. vivax RASPlasmodium vivax radiation-attenuated sporozoitesPvRAS