RH5.1 (University of Oxford)

RH5.1 is a clinical-stage recombinant protein vaccine candidate targeting the blood-stage of *Plasmodium falciparum* malaria. Developed by the Draper Lab at the University of Oxford, the vaccine consists of the full-length *P. falciparum* reticulocyte-binding protein homolog 5 (PfRH5) antigen. PfRH5 is a highly conserved merozoite protein that forms an essential complex with CyRPA and RIPR to bind the human erythrocyte receptor basigin (CD147), a critical step for red blood cell invasion. By eliciting high titers of neutralizing antibodies that block the PfRH5-basigin interaction, RH5.1 aims to prevent parasite replication and progression of clinical disease. In clinical trials, RH5.1 has been formulated with adjuvants such as GSK's AS01B or Novavax's Matrix-M, demonstrating safety, high immunogenicity, and significant protective efficacy in infants and children in malaria-endemic regions.

Other names

PfRH5 vaccinePfRH-5 vaccinePfRH 5 vaccinePlasmodium falciparum reticulocyte-binding protein homolog 5 vaccineRH5.1/AS01BRH5.1/Matrix-M