Human B-cell receptor specific for Plasmodium falciparum pre-erythrocytic stage epitopes (PfPEBS-specific BCR)

Human B-cell receptors (BCRs) specific for Plasmodium falciparum pre-erythrocytic stage (PfPEBS) epitopes are membrane-bound immunoglobulins that play a decisive role in the immune defense against malaria. These receptors recognize antigens present on the surface of sporozoites or expressed during the liver stage of the parasite's life cycle, such as the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) and thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (TRAP) (Tan et al., 2020, PMID: 32433615). Engagement of these BCRs by PfPEBS epitopes triggers B-cell proliferation and differentiation into memory B cells and antibody-secreting plasma cells, which produce antibodies capable of neutralizing the parasite before it reaches the blood stage (Gaudinski et al., 2021, PMID: 33903457). Understanding the structural basis of how these BCRs interact with PfPEBS epitopes is essential for the rational design of highly effective vaccines and the development of passive immunization strategies using monoclonal antibodies (Kisalu et al., 2018, PMID: 30510212). These receptors serve as the primary target for vaccine-induced immunity, where the goal is to elicit a high frequency of B cells that produce potent, long-lasting protective antibodies (Wang et al., 2021, PMID: 34475118).

Other names

Anti-PfPEBS B-cell receptorMalaria sporozoite-specific BCRPre-erythrocytic stage-specific B-cell receptorPfCSP-specific B-cell receptorHuman B-cell receptors specific for PfPEBS epitopes

Recognition of pre-erythrocytic antigens by BCRs triggers B-cell activation and differentiation into plasma cells that secrete neutralizing antibodies, preventing sporozoite infection of hepatocytes (PMID: 30510212, PMID: 33903457).