Host B-cell receptors specific for TRAP and CSP epitopes

This target refers to the repertoire of host B-cell receptors (BCRs) and secreted antibodies that specifically recognize the Circumsporozoite Protein (CSP) and Thrombospondin-Related Anonymous Protein (TRAP) of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. CSP is the dominant surface protein involved in sporozoite maturation and liver cell attachment (UniProt P19597), while TRAP is a critical mediator of gliding motility and hepatocyte invasion (UniProt P17084). By targeting these specific epitopes, the host immune system can neutralize sporozoites in the pre-erythrocytic stage, preventing the progression of the infection to clinical malaria (PubMed 31601650). Therapeutic strategies focus on eliciting these BCRs through active immunization with vaccines like RTS,S/AS01 or R21/Matrix-M (WHO, 2021; Lancet, 2021), or providing immediate protection via passive immunization with potent monoclonal antibodies such as CIS43 (NEJM, 2021). Research into dual-targeting of CSP and TRAP epitopes aims to enhance the breadth and durability of the protective immune response, addressing challenges posed by the parasite's genetic diversity and complex life cycle (PubMed 28439030).

Other names

Anti-CSP/TRAP antibodiesB-cell receptors for malaria sporozoite antigensAnti-circumsporozoite protein B-cell receptorsAnti-thrombospondin-related anonymous protein B-cell receptorsSporozoite-neutralizing B-cell receptors

Induction of specific B-cell activation and high-affinity antibody production (active immunity) or direct administration of monoclonal antibodies (passive immunity) to bind and neutralize Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites by targeting CSP and TRAP surface proteins, thereby blocking hepatocyte invasion and parasite motility.